Are the Indians developing new tastes ?? Apparently Yes according to this NYT artlcle. Monica Bhide, the author of this article, is talking about an affluent "upper middle class" who are beneficiaries of the free market economy, and have a penchant for spending. "Live life King Size" seems to be their Mantra. This section of the society is at the moment confined within city limits , but the rural India is also seeing glimpses of such developments. Are these changes for the better ? Do we (Indians) want to become the credit card toting, nascar driving consumers or do we want to be 'traditional' and save up for our kids school/old age /emergencies? Do these developments widen the chasm between the haves and have nots ? I am not sure if consumerism translates into more money for the local industry and thus more empowerment of the average Indian.
Excerpt from this article :
"As large as India's middle class is - it is estimated to make up about a quarter of India's population of more than 1 billion - for most of the country the new dining options are out of reach. Some fear a copycat phenomenon, as new eating habits are emulated by those who can't afford them."
See the comments section for a local copy of the article.
