Introducing India’s $35 Laptop
Kapil Sibal (above), India’s human resource development minister, told the media the first group to receive the touchscreen computers, which resemble Apple’s $499 iPad, are over 100 million schoolchildren. The goal is reduce the cost of production to $20, and ultimately to $10. India’s development of this computer is symbolic of the country’s power to influence and change the world. How will this affect the country’s enormous illiterate population? According to UNICEF, 34% of the adult population and 18% of youth were illiterate in 2007, compared to a rate of 7% and 1%, respectively, in China. With a total population of over one billion, these numbers exceed the total population of the United States.
How do you think this will change India’s burgeoning population and workforce? How will an increase in literacy and access to internet affect India’s role in the global marketplace?
Josh
Well done India. It’s clear that while Western companies are still all about making money and creating products for a social elite (Apple), emerging markets are taking those ideas and creating products that will help address social imbalance.
I am proud to be an Indian. This is what a committed democracy could do to its people. Very practical & innovative. Its not very far from now that India will be the global leader in every thing. Very well done India!! Keep it going!
@Andrew Donaldson
Appreciate your practical view of happenings in the world!
So right!
finally, humankind is wining: less illiterate…and the indian company too:
Indian company’s turnover: 100 millions x 35$ = 3,5 billions
Apple turnover: 5 million x 500$ = 2,5 billions.
Its very true that we are there to catch up with the flow. Also its not only turnover cost but its required for our countries fast growth. Till Technology is not affordable then it takes years to social and economic advancement. Once it is affordable by common man then Changes will be drastic and observed.