Nations around the world are challenged on how to ensure the benefits of governance and development reach the last mile. When all things are said and done, what really matters is whether the person at the end of the road is feeling the impact of, and getting the benefits of good governance. … Continue reading
Understanding human development

“Development has been a buzzword in the past few years which has been used and abused to shape the political and economic dimensions of entire nations. It is projected as a broad purpose and justification of all activities, often without answering the questions of whose development and how.… Continue reading
Let a ‘New India’ arise…
The resounding mandate that the people of India have given Prime Minister Modi is a clear message that the people trust him and his leadership to take India forward. More than a century ago, Swami Vivekananda had spoken about a ‘New India’ resplendent in her glory, that would arise and take its place amidst the comity of Nations.… Continue reading
Business of Development

Having been in the development sector for more than 3 decades, I thought that I had heard all the jargon that goes with the sector. I was in for a rude awakening a few days ago and was convinced that there was so much of the lingo that I was yet to learn and understand.… Continue reading
From here and there…
Many a friend has asked me about my regular visits to the US and about the teaching I do here. One oft repeated question has been, ‘What are the major similarities & differences that you see between the two countries? ‘ And knowing my background, another question usually asked is about my continued commitment to the causes I espouse back home in India and how it relates to my visiting the US?… Continue reading
GDP is passe, Human capital takes center stage for WB, IMF
This article appeared in Deccan Herald on 27th October, 2017 and can be seen here:
The article can also be read here –
While the Indian media and political analysts have been talking about how the slowing down Indian economy is likely to hurt the electoral prospects of the BJP and slow down the Modi-Shah juggernaut, a different scene unfolded last week in distant Washington DC.… Continue reading
Democracy and Development
Democracy is increasingly being understood in India as elections and voting. The larger role of citizen engagement and the importance of several democratic Institutions in ensuring good governance is rarely internalized by many. Democracy can be meaningful and productive for the people only when Institutions that are created by the legislative frameworks are allowed to operate and deliver on their mandate. … Continue reading