India’s Entrepreneurs
 The Taj Mahal proved truly breathtaking as my eyes first caught sight of the colossal structure. The monument itself is a mausoleum built for a queen who passed away while giving birth to her fourteenth child. Several other buildings complete the complex, including guest quarters, numerous elaborate gates, and a mosque, all with perfect s ymmetry.
The decorations adorning these buildings were inlaid with precious and semi-precious stones set against pristine white marble. Our guide, who appropriately dubbed himself “Guru,” informed us that this ancient technique was a dying art preserved only by a few highly skilled local artisans. We eventually had a chance to see similar pieces being created by hand. Later, we toured a gallery containing pieces ranging in size, functionality, and price, yet all extremely impressive.
If sight seeing was the main focus of our trip here in India this may have bean the pinnacle of our day excursion. However, we are here in India to study entrepreneurship within this rapidly emerging economy. Indeed, the entrepreneurial spirit had penetrated the mindset of the many street vendors who flocked to tourist spots in India like flies on sugar. Having traveled to several developing countries, I am no stranger to pushy street vendors but these salesmen were a cut above the rest.
They did not seem to understand the word “no,” often following people nearly a quarter mile to make a sale, the whole time being rejected. They sold the usual souvenirs that tourists may be interested in, but some of the cleverer ones carried merchandise tourists may need. Disposable cameras, lithium batteries, even memory cards were just some of the useful items that these merchants carried. Also, there were more than a few people selling cold drinks, which were a necessity in one hundred and five degree temperatures.
The entrepreneurial spirit was not limited to tourist destinations. Extremely aggressive bag handlers were waiting for us upon our arrival to Delhi airport. Similar services were also available at the train station. Young men eagerly waited on platforms for trains to arrive carrying with them the opportunity for revenue. Surprisingly, age was irrelevant, as there were street performers ranging from three years to well over sixty. Most of the young children banked on their cute and innocent faces, still others put on a show of acrobatics, belly rolling, and dancing. Upon witnessing one of these shows a tourists rupees seemed to turn to liquid as money poured from their pockets.
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