I am not sure why Indians put themselves down so much. The reason Indians' hard work doesn't get translated to dollars is because of government policies such as taking too long to settle contractual disputes, black money, very high interest rates, inefficient real estate system where a lot of wealth is locked up and is probably not getting released, and lack of modern lending products, such as cheap home equity lines that release wealth from homes and allows people to buy other lifestyle products or start a business. Interest rates have to be around 4 or 5% to start businesses but in India I find that the rates are too high. Using real estate to create additional wealth is the way to go. Also, Indians need to invest in technology and learning rather than in Gold so much and exhibiting garish weddings. Finally, efficient tax collection and utilization is required as well. I see this in a lot of developing countries but I see this in India a lot. Your central bank is being way too conservative and needs to open up the currency and let it appreciate to a much higher amount so the oil import prices are lower. I read the WSJ section on India and China and I find the above on India to be not so good about India. Keeping currency artificially low and relying on an export driven market is not good for India. Dont go the China way here. It wont work for India. That business model is passe'. India should float the currency and let it appreciate so the oil bill is a lot cheaper and Indians in India can live better due to lower energy prices.