In these pages, I propose to post ideas - preliminary or developed - that I conceive of or hear about and solicit feedback to shape them further or abandon them.

I request you to go through them, think about them, spread the word about them and Feedback your reactions and comments. Please encourage others to do so.

Within reasonable time and personal resources permitting, I hope to be able to make this space interactive where you could post your comments right away and others could see them. For now, it has to be through email. Please bear with me.

I hope you will contribute to a stimulating discussion, generation and development of ideas that, in their small ways, contribute to a better India and a better world.

Dear friends:

Journalist cum friend Sudeep Chakaravarti and I had been thinking of the absence of serious public debate on issues affecting the nation's future. Whether the issue is political or economic, motivated discussions take place and objectivity is usually the casualty. However, for any informed debate to take place information is a pre-requisite and information leads to awareness and knowledge.

The proposed think-tank is a step in that direction. The idea is not to create another elitist institution that is visible in conventions and seminars. This think-tank aims to be visible in the public domain and contribute to public awareness build-up.

Sudeep has sketched our preliminary thoughts on this subject very briefly.

In the initial years - until the think-tank could generate its own revenues - the think-tank might have to rely on our personal munificence and that of like-minded individuals. It requires a minimum logistical set-up to start functioning.

Before we get to that stage, we would like to hear from you your thoughts on the idea, the need for it, your suggestions on how to go about it and as to whether there are think-tanks that really operate in the public domain already and that could be supported and brought to visibility, instead of setting up a new one.

Thank you for your thoughts.

Ananth

CONCEPT NOTE FOR THINK-TANK, AN ORGANISATION TO PROMOTE INDIA TO ITSELF AND INDIA TO THE WORLD

India is beset with the problem of potential and political reality that prevents it from realizing that potential-in business, trade, policy implementation and geopolitics. India is in a situation where information needs to flow, talent and commerce need to flourish, and active diplomacy that works to bring a practical peace within India, in South Asia and evolve practical relations with the rest of the world. India needs to adopt a policy of active engagement if is to become a meaningful part of the world.

Our aim is to facilitate that by reaching out, informing and engaging in emphatic, productive, realistic dialogue with policymakers and stakeholders in India, South Asia and other parts of the world.

Existing organizations adopt a piecemeal, sometimes predetermined approach. Variously, they tackle theoretical policymaking without reviewing and tracking the implementation; attempt research and review of political and economic situations without direct, grass-roots familiarity with the subject; undertake projects for government agencies and corporations keeping a welcome conclusion in mind; or withdraw, when the time may call for active, reasonable engagement through direct contact or presenting forcefully and reasonably a point of view through media and multi-media. Essentially, it is acceptable to not be seen, but the purpose of an organization of engagement is lost if it is not heard.

It will seek to:

• Highlight weaknesses in governance, dissemination of information and the concept of official accountability.
• Search and highlight positive developments and projects with a view to aiding them and nurturing them.
• Network with people of Indian origin and non-resident Indians who have a dream for India, the same as resident Indians have a dream for India.
• Develop channels of communication and representation in South Asia to promote peace, harmony and commerce.
• Develop channels of communication among people of India origin and non-resident Indians globally.
• Develop links and channels of communication among state governments of India (beginning with the more ignored states, those who feel left out the national mainstream but are crucial for peace and therefore, prosperity).
• Develop channels of communication with leaders of business and politics in India, South Asia and globally.
• Develop symbiotic relationships with think tanks that specialize in political, socio-economic, commerce, strategic and geopolitical issues in India, South Asia, and globally.
• Build relations with major, economically and strategically oriented chambers of commerce and business organizations in India and overseas.
• And always, communicate with a sense of purpose, decisiveness, leverage, and clarity.
  

The organization will be named (Options):

• The Focus Institute
• The Future Institute
• India Tomorrow
• The India Project Vikalp - Options for the Future

It will be commercially viable by:

• Publishing a priced newsletter of developments and trends.
• Undertaking customized, confidential projects for corporations, organizations and governments cost-plus fee.
• Seeking grants

Based in New Delhi, it will be initially staffed by

• A Director n Five Associates (part-time evolving to full-time)
• A Secretary
• An office-staff
• A driver
  

All future hiring will be done based on the growth and development of the organization. The organization will reach out and keep its costs low by outsourcing to handpicked professionals for its research needs. The director and associates will be expected to network and travel on behalf of the organization.