MUMBAI: Former
World Bank chief economist
Kaushik Basu
has expressed concern over increasing instances of lynching in India and the move to "destabilize" society in the name of reclaiming Indian culture. According to Basu, social damage can take much longer to correct than demonetisation, which he termed a mistake.
"I have a concern on the social side in India. Sitting in America, the news of lynchings does disappoint me. News of that kind is increasing," said Basu, who is currently professor of economics at Cornell University.
The former chief economic adviser to the government said India, despite being poor, was respected for its scientific temper and research. He said it was imperative for those in authority to check recent trends that would tarnish its image. "There are people in every society who would like to retreat, saying this was our culture," said Basu. It was necessary for government to ensure that pride in heritage did not come at the expense of a progressive mindset. He was delivering the
Lalit Doshi Memorial
lecture in Mumbai on Friday. Citing example of Bengal, he said the decision to replace English with Bengali in 1983 set the state back by denying citizens vital "instrument for engagement with modern world."
"Occasionally in Delhi when I talk to people there is concern. But you have to transcend the concern to policy on the ground. Freedom of speech is the heritage we must try to keep up," said Basu. In his speech, Basu listed out two areas where India can do well - as a hub for higher education and as a healthcare provider. "India with its English language and education system has an edge. People will come not only from developing countries but also from
United States
where higher education is very expensive. This will give India money and a soft power engagement with the world," said Basu. Pointing out that countries like Britain have already used education to boost economy, he said the right business ethos was needed to get people to come.