Transition Blues #6: Random Observations - 2

There are some interesting changes in India. I am attempting to document few of the observations here.

The government is pushing (compulsory!) for Auto rickshaws running on Liquid Petroleum Gas, but there are only 2 pumps in entire Pune. You can see 1 KM queue for LPG filling around Pune. It is really interesting to see the lower-most ranks are paying for environmental betterment. The rich are being proud to use SUV's on the same roads.

Laptop Supermarkets - I did see 2 supermarkets focused on selling laptops. These are professional shops, running a proper supermarket. The shop 'House of Laptop" is selling, service and support, one stop shop. The shop does offer 'Pirated' software though :-). I was really surprised to see a professional shop, not suggesting, but willing to give you pirated software.

In addition, I am seeing all high end boutiques in Pune. The interesting point is that people are buying the expensive goods, $50 shirts, $80 pants, $30 tank-tops etc. I have realized that routine clothes are cheaper and better in Target or in Kohls. There are many American but a lots of European brands. The European brands are benefits more from Indian Boom than American brands.

The roadside posters are all about new housing schemes or Whiskey, Rum, Brandy. Drinking used to be a taboo when I left India, now, it is very common. My elder brother offered me Indian made, white wine. I believe it is good. There are different red wines available in India, made in India, all the way through. I am not sure if one should consider this as sign of prosperity, but if yes, then India has become very prosperous for those who can afford.

I will write about mobiles some days. It is a topic of a separate post.

Transition Blues #4: A Privileged Life

An interesting realization - The IT industry salary unknowingly pushes you to a special life, not available to most of the normal Indian citizens. The willingness to spend money results in life's comforts like a car with a driver to go to office, 2 or 3 servents in house, one for each task - dusting, cleaning dishes, clothes, special TV's, big apartment, different style clothes and most of all, special schools for children (A/C buses for some kids to go to school!).

The normal people, the ones who do all the work, still travel by bus, bicycle, may be a two wheeler, live in shanti houses, may not have food on table once in a week.

The gap in these life styles is distrubing at best, It has made me think.
Do I deserve what I am getting? If yes, should I have a guilt about having the money I am earning? I am not sure, but the poverty, the 4 strata class system, Rich, Higher Middle Class, Lower Middle Class and Poor, it not sustainanble in long term.

I do not have answer, but just an observation ....