A few days ago, I read two pieces of news about India on the same day. The first headline read, "North India Boils as Temperatures Near 50C," while the second stated, "Google to Make Pixel Phones and Drones in India."
The extreme heat in India reminds me of the Sahara Desert in North Africa and many other parts of the African continent. Both regions are exposed to a wide range of climates, including intense heat and heavy rain seasons. Both have also experienced long periods of colonization by Western powers.
However, as it is now, most parts of the African continent remain far less developed compared to India. Google and Apple never consider having their factories in Africa. Several factors contribute to this disparity in development between India and many African countries.
First of all, India is one of the four ancient civilizations in the world, with a longstanding cultural emphasis on education, very much similar to China. Indian culture sees education as a means to achieve social mobility, economic stability, and social status. Indian families invest heavily in their children's education, just as Chinese families do.
India has a long history of learning and valuing education, with many renowned centers of learning like the ancient University of Taxila. The colonial legacy also plays a role; during British colonial rule, a formal education system was established with English as the medium of instruction. This has resulted in a large English-speaking population, which is advantageous in the global economy.
Moreover, post-independence, the Indian government implemented policies to promote education, leading to significant increases in literacy rates and the establishment of numerous higher education institutions.
India's focus on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education has particularly driven its integration into the global economy, contributing to sectors like information technology and pharmaceuticals.
In conclusion, the comparison between India and many African countries underscores the transformative power of culture that emphasizes education. While historical, cultural, and political contexts differ, the cultural value on education can serve as a catalyst for India's economic growth and societal advancement.
Perhaps one of the challenges facing some underdeveloped countries is how to foster a culture that values learning as much as India.