With two of the world’s richest men being Indians, I am at a loss of words. Both – Mukesh Ambani and Lakshmi Narayan Mittal have proved that India is coming of age and its citizens are to be taken seriously. Their businesses employ millions of people across the world, including those in India. At the same time, this news does not sit comfortable with the extent of poverty that is so visible in India. It simply adds to some amount of confusion regarding where we stand. Are we a capitalist economy or we should take a softer socio-capitalist root or are we to follow a socialist approach to accepting these riches?

I am sure that these two (and hundreds of other rich people) do lot of philanthropy. But what is the logic for such inequitable income among poor in India and the world population in general? How can the world work together to have a more happy and satisfied souls and less of hungry and crying people around us?

Also to think of the burden that these rich face is something to think about. I am sure they want to do a lot for the poor and hungry. But how fair is the world in expecting them to subsidise their happiness for something which is not their responsibility in the first place? If the rich are to support all the hungry people, where is the motivation for them (poor and hungry) to work hard climb the ladder on their own? And these rich people pay millions in the form of taxes to the Government in the hope that these taxes would be used for the benefit of people at large. By paying taxes, have they not fulfilled their duty to the nation and its people?

mukesh_ambani

On a lighter note, how does it feel to be so rich? I cannot even think of what their feelings are? Is it not true that they have to work harder to overachieve themselves and continue to be rich, year after year? Does that not make them tired and unhappy? Do they manage to take out time for themselves and families? Some interesting questions!
By the way, here is the 2010 list of “Forbes” Richest in the world:

  1. Carlos Slim from Mexico
  2. Bill gates from USA
  3. Warren Buffet from USA
  4. Mukesh Ambani from India
  5. Lakshmi Mittal from India
  6. Larry Ellison from USA
  7. Bernard Arnault from France
  8. Eike Batista from Brazil
  9. Amancio from Spain
  10. Karl Albrecht from Germany

Here is a toast to all these individuals for the admirable success they have achieved. Let’s wish them more of the same for the future so that they can do more for fellow human beings as employees, investors and philanthropist.