Heat and light

India’s late, late industrial revolution demands many transformations, some of which are under way. The numerous institutional transitions that have occurred are just the first step. Many more are required. One’s own predilections lead to the discussion of just a few structural transitions considered critical. This chapter deals with some of the issues and discusses how a few necessary, but by no means sufficient, transformations ought to be wrought as India proceeds to reindustrialize herself. Each item demands a separate book-length treatment. Each topic is massive. Thus, what is discussed in the section, on that topic, only scratches the surface of an important issue in a shallow way.

This first section deals with the energy imperative, since that is vital in industrialization, for mass manufacturing and in enhancing general welfare. Thereafter, other important contingencies are discussed. There is no particular order among them. All are equally important and necessary contingencies. Yet, no item is sufficient in itself. The second section highlights possible changes in industrial structure occurring because of entrepreneurial actions. The third section deals with how fragmented industry segments may consolidate. The fourth section deals with the information technology sector, while the fifth section sums up the major issues of the book by discussing new age manufacturing. Finally, there is a summary of the various themes in the book.