:: naazita ::

Friday, April 22, 2005 at 16:11

Inclusive capitalism is no myth

Somehow there just aren't enough convincing approaches or solutions to global poverty. I'm personally not a big fan of the development aid mentality. The supposed 'trickle down effect' of globalization mostly has me disillusioned. CSR-yada-yada is overrated. If you're looking for a fresh approach to the challenges of the developing world, you have gotta (and I repeat, gotta) read 'The Fortune at the Bottom of The Pyramid'. CK Prahlad, the author, builds capitalism's best case ever. Using a wealth of compelling case studies from countries like India, Brazil, Mexico etc Prahlad urges the private sector to serve the world's poor. He shows how there is profit to be had while tapping into entrepreneurial capabilities at the bottom of the economic pyramid, creating wealth, enabling dignity and choice for all and finding sustainable solutions to global challenges. Check out the review on Amazon. Worth every rupee I paid for it, I recommend it highly. My pick for the book of the year.

Aakash Sethi said...

I have read a lot of articles and reviews on the book havent yet been able to get my hands to it! I agree with the fact that CSR is a romantic view to change the world. What is needed though are more E-choupals! If you are further interested in how business and trade can play a role in poverty alleviation check out http://www.traidcraft.co.uk/

Dan said...

Hey Naaz, it sounds interesting. Do you have the book with you in Bogota? I'd be interested to read it.

Aloke said...

Interestingly, you also see Pranay 'da spyder' Manocha's review on the Amazon page!

Thomas said...

You can download the article which was the foundation for the book here: http://www.digitaldividend.org/pdf/bottompyramid.pdf

Naaz said...

Sethi, you have gotta read it!

Dan, sure, you can borrow it... I just finished it a couple of days ago...

Kokie, I did see Pranay's review...and wasnt sure if it was the same Pranay until I saw the da spyder nickname...haha...think it will be fun to reconnect with good old spyder...

Thanks for the tip Thomas... I think the pdf you mentioned will be a good intro to those thinking of buying the book...

Pranay Da Spyder said...

You're right about this book, it is absolutely brilliant. I especially liked the part about artificial limbs being made in Jaipur. If you watch the video on the CD that comes with the book, it is amazing how much empowerment simple products can give to the poor.

I was always in favour of capitalism, if you're looking for another book (fiction), try reading Atlas Shrugged by Ayn Rand if you haven't already.

By the way Naaz, finding your blog and discovering a comment about my comment on Amazon - haha - I was laughing hard for a few minutes! Perhaps when I restart updating my blog you can connect to me at http://onlyonepranay.blogspot.com

And there is only one Pranay ;-) And it is always the same Pranay you know!

:: naazita ::

Friday, April 22, 2005 at 16:11

Inclusive capitalism is no myth

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