The Quint's Editor-in-Chief Raghav Bahl received an overwhelming response for his video on how Prime Minister Narendra Modi can save the Indian Digital Ecosystem. In the video, Bahl explains how Prime Minister Narendra Modi can save the Indian digital ecosystem from the “DACOIT-y”.
DACOIT is an acronym coined for: Digital America/China (are) Colonising and Obliterating Indian Tech!
In the video, Bahl explains:
Just as Chambal dacoits looted central India in the 1970s/80s, Shenzhen and Silicon Valley DACOITs are savaging our digital landscape in the 21st century. We have already resigned ourselves to Google’s and Facebook’s astonishing dominance, without even a shrug of resistance. These American titans take nearly 90 percent of all digital ad dollars from India.
He dissects the reality of the ‘Indian’ counter-weight to ever invader, and explains his reasoning behind “DACOIT-y”.
Answers to Doubts Raised About ‘DACOIT-ised’ India
Responding to questions from those who interpreted the video as him asking for protectionism or curbs on FDI, Bahl explains that what he is calling for is the means to separate ownership and control.
I believe in power of FDI to transform India; I have argued for a far less complex regime than today’s multiple caps, i.e, we need only 3 levels of FDI ownership – 49%, 74% and 100%. But in the DACOIT video, I am arguing for the MEANS to SEPARATE ownership and control.Raghav Bahl
Please DON’T misunderstand my DACOIT video as a “protectionist” plea. HEAVEN’S NO. But we should be allowed the same financial architecture that is permitted to our American/Chinese competitors by their governments. DON’T TIE US UP IN ARCHAIC RESTRICTIONS.Raghav Bahl
The Responses
While the video was well-received with people across spheres calling for a review of India’s policies, it was also accused of promoting protectionism.
Watch the full video here:
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