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Bill Gates sparks outrage with remarks on India being a 'laboratory to try things'

Bill Gates sparks outrage with remarks on India being a 'laboratory to try things'

Bill Gates sparks outrage with remarks on India being a laboratory to try things
X

4 Dec 2024 10:39 PM IST

Bill Gates, former Microsoft CEO and philanthropist, has sparked controversy on social media after describing India as a "laboratory to try things" during a podcast with entrepreneur Reid Hoffman. Gates, who has visited India multiple times, shared insights from his work with the Gates Foundation, highlighting the country's progress in sectors like health, nutrition, and education. He also predicted a "dramatic" transformation in India over the next two decades.

In the podcast, Gates said, “India is an example of a country where there are plenty of challenges – health, nutrition, education – but these are improving. The country is stable enough, generating its own government revenue, and likely to see dramatic improvements in the next 20 years. It’s a laboratory to try things that, once proven successful in India, can be replicated elsewhere.”

He continued, “Our biggest non-US office for the Foundation is in India, and the majority of the pilot programs we are running globally are in collaboration with Indian partners.”

While Gates acknowledged the vibrancy of India, he also referred to the country as a "chaotic place," noting the contrasts in income levels across its streets. “If you’ve never been, you might think it’s chaotic,” he said. “But you’ll get a sense of the vibrancy.”

His comments, however, have triggered mixed reactions. Critics have accused Gates of viewing India as a testing ground for global initiatives, with some questioning the ethics of such projects. One user on X (formerly Twitter) called it “a laboratory, and we Indians are guinea pigs for Bill Gates.” The user also criticized the Gates Foundation's operations in India, claiming they bypass local regulations.

On the other hand, many defended Gates, interpreting his remarks as an acknowledgment of India’s capacity to lead innovative development projects. “Pilots are run all the time in global development, testing new medicines, vaccines, or welfare programs. It’s about identifying what works,” one user argued.

Supporters also pointed out that Gates’ comments may have been misinterpreted. "He was referring to welfare programs, not testing medicines," one commenter clarified.

Others highlighted India’s complexity as a key factor in its potential to implement large-scale programs that could be applied globally. “If a human development program works in India, it’s likely to succeed in many other places,” another user remarked.

The Gates Foundation has a long-standing presence in India, where it runs numerous pilot welfare initiatives in collaboration with local partners.

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