Gandhian engineering: India's strength?

Indians in India may not have contributed much to the World in the areas of fundamental science and new-to-the-world innovations. But they seem to be doing pretty good at "Gandhian engineering."

Gandhian engineering is about getting more from less for more and more people. Writing in the August 8, 2009 issue of The Times of India , R.A. Mashelkar (president, Global Research Alliance) says "India excels in such innovations." A $2000 car, an 18-cent hepatitis-B vaccine, and a 1-cent mobile phone call are examples.

One of Mashelkar's 5 suggestions to kickstart the "Indian decade of innovation" is to drive inclusive growth by launching an Indian Inclusive Innovation Initiative based on the tenets of Gandhian engineering.

What are your views on an "Indian inclusive" agenda?