Sunita Narain’s continuous tirade against innovation (“ABCDE of Obama’s sales pitch”, November 22) is puzzling. Narain seems to be against innovation and application of modern technology – indigenous or foreign – in agriculture and biotechnology. But, without these, how can India overcome its plight?
The average productivity of Indian farmers per hectare is considerably low — it is half the world average and one-fourth of the world’s highest national productivity.
Climate change is a problem, but should we not look for solutions that do not perpetuate the unacceptable levels of human development prevailing in India?
Given the benefits that modern drugs and technology in medicine have brought to Indians, both rich and poor, should we not focus on increasing the number of people who can access these instead of lamenting the adverse application of modern medicine?
Finally, given the pathetic condition of teaching facilities in most educational institutions in India – especially the government-controlled ones – isn’t privatisation a highly desirable solution? Why should our children be condemned to the tyranny of irresponsible government employees, preventing the private sector from making money by delivering better services?
Alok Sarkar, Kolkata
