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May 19, 2002
REVIEW: Not by technology alone
IS transfer of technology from the developed to the developing countries the only recipe for progress and prosperity to eliminate poverty? This is an issue that has led to an unending controversy in different parts of the world. People generally argue that Pakistan lagged behind many countries only because of its failure to acquire modern technology. The responsibility for this weakness is pushed on the technologically advanced nations. In his book Paidawar, samaj aur sanatkari, Ghulam Kibria makes an admirably exhaustive study of this complex phenomenon.
Making a comparative assessment of several emerging nations, particularly Korea and China, which incidentally achieved freedom from colonial rule about the same time as Pakistan did, he convincingly proves that congenial social conditions and the existence of a democratic order pave the way for ushering in an era of peace and progress.
When Pakistan came into being, it had many advantages which others did not have. The colonial power had already established the basic economic infrastructure and had brought about meaningful improvement in society. While banditry and thuggery had been banished, peace and tranquillity had been restored. The situation was different in Korea and China which remained in the throe of unsettled conditions for many years. Though they followed two different systems, they rapidly moved on to the road of prosperity. Unfortunately the Muslim rulers of India had paid no attention to the development and promotion of education which is an essential prerequisite of progress. The Mughals were fond of erecting palatial buildings, gardens and mausoleums. But none of them paid any attention to the setting up of educational institutions. Neither did they allocate funds for education or health. Pakistan inherited the same decadent tradition.
While Kibria appreciates the services rendered by the British in many spheres of life, he severely criticizes them for creating an elitist class of the feudals. This perhaps they did to serve their own interest and strengthen the base of their domination. This class remained loyal to the Crown throughout history. The curse of feudalism exists to this day with all its deadly manifestations.
At the time of Partition, Pakistan already had an industrial base and a sizable number of dedicated skilled workers. They did not need to import any technology at that stage. What they needed was the consolidation of their acquired skill. This was not done in a systematic manner.
Besides, the social and political condition of the country contributed to the retardation of progress. The result is for everyone to see. Today Korea and China, though pursuing different philosophies, are symbols of phenomenal progress and prosperity and Pakistan lags far, far behind them.
After a thorough analysis of the situation prevailing in different parts of the world, Kibria concludes that social conditions create the technological base and technology by itself does not make a society.
The writer has spent a considerable part of his life in conducting research in various developed and developing countries. With his rich experience coupled with an insight into the fundamentals of a progressive society, Ghulam Kibria lays emphasis on the evolution of a democratic set-up which alone can make a country technologically advanced and prosperous.
Paidawar, samaj aur sanatkari
By Ghulam Kibria
Fiction House, 18 Mozang Road, Lahore Tel: 042-7249218
496pp. Rs300
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