Wolfgang Bergthaler, an Austrian entrepreneur and founder of the business advisory firm WB5 GmbH, has shared his candid observations on India after tracking the country's development for 22 years. While acknowledging India's "incredible progress," Bergthaler pointed out several areas he believes have deteriorated during this period, affecting the overall quality of life for its citizens.
Environmental and Health Concerns
Bergthaler highlighted a significant decline in basic environmental quality, stating that fundamental human needs like clean air and water are increasingly unmet. He also pointed to a worrying shift in dietary habits. Despite growing affluence, Bergthaler noted, "People got richer. Their diets got poorer." This change is attributed to the proliferation of junk and fast food, leading to increased obesity rates and a general lack of emphasis on sports and healthy lifestyles.
The Transactional Nature of Relationships
A notable shift, according to Bergthaler, is the increasing transactional nature of everyday life and relationships in India. He observed that "Everything became a business case," lamenting that even aspects like health, education, and friendship now feel driven by a return on investment (ROI). This, he suggests, leaves little room for relationships based purely on connection rather than utility.
Furthermore, Bergthaler criticized the pervasive use of social media, noting that people are "Scrolling social media: Everyone. Always. Everywhere. Nonstop." He also commented on a shrinking attention span, with conversations becoming shorter and less focused, jumping rapidly from topic to topic without delving deep.
Global Aspirations, Local Hierarchies
While India has embraced globalization, with international companies and advanced technology becoming common, Bergthaler believes that workplace power structures have remained largely unchanged. He stated, "India went global. Hierarchy stayed local," indicating that traditional hierarchical systems persist despite the country's modern advancements. He also observed that Indian consumers have become more demanding, expecting high value for money, though patience and politeness haven't always kept pace with these rising expectations.
Business Environment Becomes More Serious
Bergthaler also noted a transformation in the business landscape. Doing business in India, he argues, has become "more serious" rather than easier. The market is now larger and more professional, with brutal competition and higher expectations. He concluded that simply being a foreign entity no longer impresses or provides an inherent advantage.
Despite these criticisms, Bergthaler emphasized that his observations do not suggest India is regressing. Instead, he underscored that the nation has made remarkable progress, but "India(ns) pay a high price" for this rapid development.