Deeper Challenges in India’s Path to Becoming a Global Leader

 Deeper Challenges in India’s Path to Becoming a Global Leader

Sub-Standard Packaging Example

India is a nation on the rise, with aspirations to become a global leader, often described by its leaders as the “World Guru.” This ambitious vision speaks to the country’s desire to be seen as number one in the world, leading in innovation, wisdom, and influence. However, the road to this lofty goal is paved with challenges that go beyond economic growth and international recognition. One such challenge, often overlooked, is the quality of everyday products and how they are presented to consumers.

This article was inspired by a simple yet telling experience with product packaging—something as mundane as opening a packet of samosas. It’s a minor task, but it highlights a significant issue: the lack of attention to quality, user experience, and customer care in many Indian products. If India truly wants to be seen as a global leader, these small details matter. They reflect deeper systemic issues that need addressing, from infrastructure to business accountability.

Packaging Problems: A Case Study in Customer Experience

Let’s start with a seemingly trivial but revealing example—the packaging of a popular product from Haldiram, a brand recognized worldwide. The samosa packet in question was sealed in a way that was counterintuitive and frustrating for the user. Typically, in Western markets, the packaging is designed with the consumer in mind; seals are placed in predictable locations, and the packaging is easy to open without special tools. However, in this case, the sealer was above the line indicating where to open the package, and cutting between the lines didn’t work as expected.

This design flaw is more than just an annoyance—it reflects a broader disregard for user experience. In markets like the United States, companies invest heavily in creating packaging that enhances customer convenience. The technology and machinery required for such user-friendly designs are seen as essential investments. Yet in India, many businesses do not prioritize these investments, largely because they operate in a high-demand market where supply rarely meets the appetite of the vast population. This dynamic reduces the incentive for companies to innovate or improve, leaving customers to deal with subpar products.

Beyond Packaging: The Quality Conundrum

The issue of poor packaging is symptomatic of a larger problem—product quality. Whether it’s everyday consumables or larger infrastructure projects like roads and bridges, attention to quality is often lacking. In many cases, the construction quality of public infrastructure falls short of international standards, leading to a lack of trust in these systems. Similarly, everyday consumer goods frequently suffer from design and quality control issues that would be unacceptable in many other parts of the world.

For India to claim the title of "World Guru," it must address these shortcomings. It’s not enough to produce and sell; products and services must meet high standards that reflect respect for the consumer. Quality is not just a technical requirement; it’s a reflection of a nation’s values and its commitment to its people.

Business Accountability: A Call for Respect and Customer Focus

A critical element of achieving global leadership is how businesses interact with their customers. Unfortunately, in many cases, Indian companies fall short of the basic standards of accountability and respect. An illustrative example is a personal experience with one of the renowned sweet shops in Chandigarh. Upon discovering hair in the sweets purchased, the shop’s response was defensive rather than apologetic. Instead of acknowledging the mistake and addressing the issue, the business deflected responsibility, demonstrating a lack of respect for the customer.

Such instances highlight a broader challenge within Indian businesses—a reluctance to admit faults and a failure to prioritize customer satisfaction. In competitive markets, businesses must earn their customers’ trust through accountability and quality service. In India, where competition is less fierce, businesses often face little pressure to improve, leading to a complacent attitude toward product quality and customer care.

The Path Forward: Prioritizing People and Quality

If India truly wants to rise to the status of a global leader, it must start by respecting its people through improved quality in every aspect of life—from the infrastructure that citizens use daily to the products they consume. This respect must extend to the way businesses treat their customers. Investing in better packaging, higher quality standards, and a more customer-focused approach will not only improve the everyday experiences of Indian consumers but also enhance the nation’s reputation on the global stage.

India’s vast market and abundant resources are tremendous assets, but to leverage these effectively, there must be a commitment to quality and accountability that goes beyond economic growth. Being number one is not just about GDP or international clout; it’s about creating a nation that takes pride in the quality of its work and the satisfaction of its people.

Conclusion: Quality as the Foundation of Global Leadership

India’s journey to becoming a global leader requires more than ambition and economic strength—it requires a commitment to quality, respect, and accountability. Packaging may seem like a small issue, but it is a reflection of how businesses view their customers and their responsibilities. To truly be the “World Guru,” India must prioritize the everyday experiences of its people, ensuring that products are not just sold but are also crafted with care and consideration.

Before declaring itself the world’s leader, India must demonstrate that it respects its citizens through better quality products, improved infrastructure, and businesses that value their customers. Only then can India truly claim to be number one in every sense of the word.