Is IT changing the Culture of India?

There was recently an article by Chetan Bhagat called ‘Nerds Vs Lerds’. He has introduced a new term in Indian dictionary called ‘Lerds’. The crux of the article was our political leaders need to gain some characteristics of nerds and become solution oriented. He has emphasized on being solution oriented rather than problem oriented. Nerds are solution oriented and that too within a fixed deadline in a perfect way.

Charity initiatives taken by IT organizations themselves or by IT professionals individually or in groups are really commendable. The idea is to pay forward to the society. Any development done on education front empowers the country in turn. The greatest aspect is, all these are done unconditionally and selflessly.

Passionate interest of Nandan Nilekani, Azim Premji (to name a few) towards the development of nation demonstrates that IT leaders are interested in bringing change to existing political system and model of governance. It’s astounding to see Bill Gates visiting remote places of India and trying to bring development with modern techniques. It’s amazing to see his positive attitude towards India and on its talents. Chetan Bhagat is another example who quit his luxurious earning job to make difference to the already existing system of India.

Empowering Women has gained lot of momentum in IT which in turn is impacting the existing culture of India. Men were considered to be the breadwinners of home while women, the home-makers, which were considered to be a lowly work. Now, women are not only the home-makers but also the co-breadwinners. Men have gracefully accepted this change, gradually, and those who have not yet, would soon accept. Women bring unique qualities on the business table. They not only bring their professional skills but also the unique traits from their personal skills necessary for a smooth and conclusive meeting. Women are now been considered for the top-most positions of organizations like CEO’s etc. This in turn is very motivational for other aspiring women. We already have examples of great women like Chanda Kochhar who are doing exceedingly well.

When women are empowered, the Culture is empowered because women have been known for retaining the culture of India. IT has brought a fresh and dynamic perspective to leadership called ‘Youth Leadership’. Leaders are chosen based not on their ages but based on their skills. This again is very motivational for young Indians who comprise the major population of India.

Globalization is another major aspect which is nurtured by IT organizations. Relationship moves from customer to partner to friends. With the massive advancement of social Medias it’s not even necessary to know a person to include in one’s circle of acquaintance. Facebook, twitter, Google+ are playing major role towards globalization. In today’s world being social is being directly related to being knowledgeable and hence one’s growth. When individuals grow, the country grows. Most of the professionals in IT world use these Medias as part of their day to day life.

Design thinking (an initiative by SAP as far as I know) has gained lot of momentum lately. This term has a very powerful meaning. It highlights people of different cultures create a powerful work-environment in contrast to its opposite. It encourages people of different age groups, sex to work together. In a broader sense it says Embracing Inclusion and Driving Innovation. What a wonderful idea! We are gradually becoming one united Universe and not just one united Nation!