https://indianmasterminds.com

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT

From a Colonial Past to a Global Economic Powerhouse, How India Made It!

India’s G20 Sherpa Amitabh Kant’s latest book, ‘Made in India: 75 Years of Business and Enterprise’ traces India’s economic progress in 75 Years of Independence The book underscores the central role of entrepreneurship and private enterprise in shaping India's growth story It fixes spotlight on the legacy of resilience, innovation, and an unwavering spirit of entrepreneurship that continues to drive the country’s economic progress
Indian Masterminds Stories

When India’s G20 Sherpa Amitabh Kant comes out with a new book that goes by the title ‘Made in India’, it is bound to arouse curiosity and expectation. Expectation because the author is a key driver of the ‘Make in India’ campaign. Curiosity because one would like to know whether the transition from ‘Make’ to ‘Made’ has been made. The fact is, the book goes far beyond that. It transcends the boundaries of success’ benchmarks to trace a journey of 75 years of economic evolution which is intrinsically linked to the rise of private enterprise.

The book, Made in India: 75 Years of Business and Enterprise, is a comprehensive exploration of India’s economic journey post-Independence, focusing on the pivotal role played by private enterprise in shaping its growth trajectory. It showcases how private businesses have been the driving force behind India’s remarkable evolution from a nation that emerged from colonial constraints to becoming a global economic powerhouse.

Speaking to Indian Masterminds, author Amitabh Kant said that his book is a call to action for policymakers, entrepreneurs, and the entire ecosystem to work together towards creating an environment that propels India to even greater heights.

INDIA’S BUSINESS EVOLUTION

Made in India captures the pre-colonial era’s vibrant business landscape, the challenges faced during colonial rule, the resurgence of private enterprise, the impact of post-independence policies, the game-changing reforms of 1991, and the modern era of digitalization and innovation.

Encapsulating its essence, Mr. Amitabh Kant said, “This book reflects my profound passion for India’s economic journey over seven and a half decades. It narrates our nation’s business evolution, highlighting the determination and innovation of Indian entrepreneurs who have shaped our economic path,”

Front and back covers of the book

PRE-COLONIAL & COLONIAL ERA: THE DECLINE

The initial pages capture the pre-colonial era’s vibrant business landscape and the challenges faced during colonial rule. Merchants and entrepreneurs were central to the agrarian economy, engaging in diverse trade not only within the subcontinent but also across international borders, and the historical trade route called the Silk Road bears testimony to it. According to estimations by Angus Maddison, India’s share of global GDP was approximately 24% in the year 1700.

However, over the centuries, India’s economic standing underwent significant changes. By 1947, India’s contribution to global GDP had plummeted to a mere 5%. This decline over a span of around 250 years marked a transformation from being a major global economy to a peripheral player on the international trade and commerce stage.

LATE-COLONIAL ERA: THE REVIVAL

The decline in India’s economic prominence was partly a consequence of external factors, but the arrival of European powers, particularly the British, had a profound impact on India’s economic landscape.

However, despite British colonial rule, Indian entrepreneurship experienced a revival during the late colonial era. Visionaries like Jamsetji Tata and Ghanshyam Das Birla diversified into newer areas and laid the foundation for India’s industrial landscape.

POST-INDEPENDENCE TO 1991: RISE OF PRIVATE ENTERPRISE

Post-Independence, India adopted a mixed economy model with a significant role for the public sector. State intervention and complex regulations created a challenging business environment, culminating in the infamous ‘license raj’. However, amidst these challenges, there were instances of entrepreneurial success. Dhirubhai Ambani’s Reliance Industries and the burgeoning IT industry showcased the spirit of private enterprise, even in a constrained environment.

Throughout its pages, the book emphasizes the critical role of private businesses in reshaping India’s economic narrative and underscores the potential for continued growth and prosperity in the years ahead.

“This is one of the reasons behind writing this book. I wanted to showcase the remarkable transformation that India has undergone since gaining Independence. We have transitioned from a nation burdened by colonialism to becoming one of the fastest-growing economies globally. Through the lens of business and enterprise, I aim to spotlight the role of Indian entrepreneurs in this journey, from pre-colonial times to the present day.”

1991 REFORMS: THE IT BOOM

1991. The watershed moment in India’s economic history, the author writes, recalling the series of comprehensive reforms that brought about rapid changes. GDP growth rates surged, trade and investment policies were liberalized, FDI inflows surged, resulting in India’s GDP skyrocketing from $275 billion in 1991 to over $2.7 trillion in 2020.

The reforms also triggered the transformation of India’s services sector, particularly IT and digital services with the country emerging as a global hub for IT services. Software exports surged from $150 million in 1991 to over $300 billion in FY-2023.

Mr. Kant credits this to the path laid down by the visionary entrepreneurs of the past. “I firmly believe that understanding our economic history is crucial for charting a successful path forward. Today, as we navigate a rapidly changing global landscape, it’s essential to recognize the lessons of our past and the challenges we’ve overcome. The stories of our entrepreneurs, from the days of the Silk Road to the digital age, offer insights into resilience, adaptability, and the power of innovation. By revisiting our economic history, we can draw inspiration to address the challenges of today and embrace the opportunities of tomorrow.”

Author Amitabh Kant (second from right) at the book launch in Mumbai

2014 TO NOW: GAME-CHANGERS

As the pages turn over to 2014, the period under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrives, a period that has witnessed accelerated digitalization and inclusive reforms through initiatives like Aadhaar, digital payments, Jan-Dhan Yojana, GST, Make in India and Startup India – initiatives that revolutionized governance and were game-changers in the entrepreneurial ecosystem.

Mr. Kant said, “The book underscores the importance of fostering a conducive environment for entrepreneurship, innovation, and sustainable growth. By highlighting both successes and setbacks, it encourages a balanced perspective on our economic journey. It’s a call to action for policymakers, entrepreneurs, and the entire ecosystem to work together towards creating an environment that propels India to even greater heights.”

LOOKING AHEAD

In its concluding sections, the book serves as a reminder of the potential that lies within the nation for economic development, growth and prosperity, like renewable energy, biotechnology, AI, fintech, and a youthful workforce.

Referring to this ‘youthful workforce’ in the context of the contemporary challenges, Mr. Kant said: “I hope this book sparks a renewed appreciation for the transformative power of business and enterprise. It’s a reminder that our economic journey is a collective endeavour, where every individual contributes to the larger narrative. Through these stories, I aspire to inspire young minds to think boldly, take risks, and contribute uniquely to India’s growth story.”

(The book, Made in India, by Amitabh Kant has reached its sixth edition and is available on amazon.in. Here is the link: https://amzn.eu/d/9zYMXVf)


Indian Masterminds Stories
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Related Stories
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
NEWS
bureaucracy news
Major Bureaucratic Reforms on the Anvil as Centre Hires Consultant to Map Bottlenecks & Draft Roadmap - Details Inside
MTNL
MTNL Defaults on ₹8,585 Cr Bank Loans from Seven PSU Banks; Debt Soars to ₹34,484 Cr
HSL CMD Khatri
Upskill to Stay Ahead: HSL CMD Cmde Khatri’s Call to Maritime Sector at BIMSTEC 2025
IPS A.B
HC Clears Former Top Cop: Andhra Ends All Legal Action Against IPS Venkateswara Rao
Minister Sonowal
Hydrogen Tug Project Gets Boost as Minister Sonowal Backs Hindustan Shipyard (HSL)’s Vision - Details Inside
IOCL and SJVN
PESB Invites Applications for Director Posts in IOCL and SJVN; Deadlines Set for August 11
IREDA logo 1
IREDA Seeks Shareholder Nod to Raise Borrowing Limit to ₹1.5 Lakh Crore; Pushes for Massive RE Financing
Indian Police Services IPS Officer
Punjab Promotes 8 IPS Officers to DGP Rank, Now Has Nation’s Highest Number of Top-Rank Police Officers
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Videos
promila gupta
The Secret of The Secret – How To Make The Universe Conspire For You
AI 171 CRASH
AAIB Initial Probe In AI-171 Crash Questioned By Aviation Experts
Ravi Kapoor
Why Ex-IRS Officer Ravi Kapoor Walked Away from Power
ADVERTISEMENT
UPSC Stories
WhatsApp Image 2025-07-14 at 15.58
The Economist Who Became an IFS Officer
How Abhimanyu Gahlaut balanced global economics and civil services dreams to crack UPSC with AIR 38
Disha Dwivedi UPSC
How Disha Dwivedi Conquered UPSC on Her Sixth Attempt
Disha Dwivedi’s UPSC journey from five prelims failures to securing AIR 672 in 2024 showcases strategic...
Sushmitha and Ishwarya Ramanathan
Their Home Was Washed Away — Sushmitha & Ishwarya Built a Legacy Instead
Sushmitha and Ishwarya lost their home to the 2004 tsunami. But with books, belief, and each other, they...
Social Media
Standing Leopard
Leopard Stuns Internet by Standing on Two Legs Like a Meerkat
A rare video of a leopard standing on two legs in Kruger Park stuns viewers and goes viral across social...
G S Roshni
Kerala’s Fearless Forest Officer G.S. Roshni Rescues 16-Foot King Cobra with Bare Hands, Garners Praise & Critique
Beat Forest Officer G.S. Roshni’s first-ever king cobra rescue goes viral, earning her the title of ‘Green...
Kaziranga Baby Elephant
Chotu the Baby Elephant Reunited with Mother in Kaziranga: Retired IFS Officer’s Post Goes Viral
A baby elephant's emotional reunion with its mother in Kaziranga, shared by retired IFS officer Susanta...
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Latest
bureaucracy news
Major Bureaucratic Reforms on the Anvil as Centre Hires Consultant to Map Bottlenecks & Draft Roadmap - Details Inside
MTNL
MTNL Defaults on ₹8,585 Cr Bank Loans from Seven PSU Banks; Debt Soars to ₹34,484 Cr
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Videos
promila gupta
AI 171 CRASH
Ravi Kapoor
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT