And for a Friday, whilst enjoying the luxurious home of Sid and Archana, with the choicest Whiskies and Best of Wines, some random thoughts….. some musings…..
Our hosts are doting us. The 18 years Japanese Whisky is competing with the best of Wines. Every evening is a long session. In the German MNC that I worked, being a Member of the Wine Commission was more prestigious than being a Member of the Board. Now exercising the vast choice of Wines, I have realised the truism of the statement. Inspite of the interest rate hike, inflation etc., US Economy is doing pretty well. Job markets are quite buoyant and Indians are top of the league. Most graduates passing out of 4 year degree course earn starting salaries of 60K to 80K $s and young Techies are in 100-120K bracket. Experienced Indian-American Professionals are definitely Million $ plus. Unlike UK or Europe, Indians in the US are mostly the top rung, from the best Indian Medical schools, IITs, Management and Ivy League products. I relish conversations and time spent with these hugely successful Global Citizens.
Contrary to the pseudo-socialist Babudom controlled Mixed-Economy in India, US is a Capital dominated Free Market oriented Economy. The Federal and State Govts have limited role to set the legal Framework and Operating Rules. Thereafter it’s individuality, innovation, risk taking, Meritocracy and reward of the best in open competition. Here’s an example. Activist Investor Carl Icahn who bought down so many companies and made millions, his own listed company, IEP shares trading at $ 50 per share. In comes a short seller, publishes a report, “Icahn – The Corporate Raider throwing Stones from his own Glass House”. The short seller alleges in its exhaustive report that the Company IEP had inflated its Assets prices. Lo and behold, IEP share prices crashed from 50$ to 30$. But in US, nobody asked for an enquiry or for the SEC to be investigated or the President to resign. It is just BAU (Business as Usual). Short seller name, Nathan Anderson of Hindenburg rings a Bell?????
US, the world super power, the richest country and India a colonised asset stripped, developing Nation, are two ends of the Wealth spectrum. Yet there is so much in common. Democratic values, Pluralistic societies and total freedom of expression. Let’s all support the India-US relations, the mutually respecting way, the empathy way, the SEEGOS way.