Mr. US President was impressed by ISB’s infrastrucutre and Entrepreneurial focus exhibited by ISB.

The ISB website has comprehensively captured the entire visit.

The person sitting behind me commented, “Both Mullford (Ambassador) and Mr. US President had their mouth open when they entered the Atrium!”. Well, I didn’t notice it or I missed it apparently..

George Bush was his usual self when he walked in his quick style and with his hand wave to the audience. As soon as he sat down on his chair, he started speaking…Effective time management. He was convincing for most of the answers, though not all…Well, the entire feeling of Mr.President sitting and chatting with young entrepreneurs and students, and being within 50 metres of radius from President was surreal. The axis of world power was sitting at the axis of ISB (Atrium)…That’s what is called Centre of attraction!

I guess, Somebody should have mentioned to him about the 300 million middle class in India, because he was emphasizing on that fact and the potential associated with the fact on more than 2 occasions.

He has good sense of humour. One person started introducing himself by saying…”My name is X. I am doing so and so…I graduated from this college…I listened to your speech yesterday..I think it was spectacular…”…Mr. President snubbed smilingly…”Let’s leave it there…”

One lady introduced…”I graduated from Carnegie..”. Mr. President replied..”You should be smart…Because only smart people get admission there!!”..

Another person introduced himself…”My name is …I am into Textile and Media industry…”. There comes a reply from Mr. President, “Textile and Media…Interesting combination…You can dress well in movies!”

He answered questions on topics ranging from Outsourcing issues, Bilateral agreements for funding, Pace of globalization, Economic patriotism (Mittal case), Port clearance and issues, Textile & Media Industry, Telecom & Power, Renewable energy etc.,

His Suggestions for developing countries (like India) to become developed countries:
- Focus on Infrastructure development. Especially infrastructure that will expedite market movement and knowledge movement.
- Atleast 50% of population (especially under 25 years) should have basic skills (read, write, subtract!)
- Emphasis on Good Tax policy. Current tax policies encourage tax evasion. Moreover, the current tax policies are quite complicated. They need to be addressed.
- Focus on HIV / Trafficking issues(Prevention, tackling, distribution of drugs etc.,)
- More tools and opportunities should be made available for entrepreneurs.

Something for myself…I noticed that our side of audience seats were captured by Times of India..with a caption “ISB Students listen in rapt attention…”!

Myself, Gautam and Vineeth sitting next to each other