I think the uber-rich tycoons of India are just following/competing with the lifestyle of their brethren in west but unfortunately has learned absolutely nothing about philanthropy from some of them (Buffet!). Giving at least something to charity or good cause would justify such excessive luxury, otherwise it seems quite shameless to me. But I think, most Indians who haven’t traveled abroad are quite desensitized about poverty, and would feel proud of this pompous lifestyle. But I know the Ambanis are quite well-traveled and did their MBAs in US.

But I think, most Indians who haven’t traveled abroad are quite desensitized about poverty, and would feel proud of this pompous lifestyle

Sorry, spee, have to call you out on this one.While its true that living in India may desensitize one to poverty,lets not forget that the Tatas and Birlas did a lot via charity.Old man Birla donated a lot of money that helped in the struggle for independence.

As for Mukesh’s home - lets focus on the amount of employment and business its construction provided to lots of Indians. The alternative is to criticize him for ostentation - but if Indian society is going to reap the rewards of capitalism - why shouldn’t Ambani?

I’m not hating. You got raja money, you live like a raja. I think, though, that if I suddenly made that kinda dough I wouldn’t be getting a house that large.

The house just wouldn’t feel like a home. If you have a ballroom-like dining place and a gigantic theater, then obviously lots of folks will be dropping by. Where does the family actually ‘live’? What part is for guest, what part for show, and what part is a waste where no one will really come into?

But I’m just talking out of my ass. I have no clue what it is to be in that social class.

Runa, you got a point about Tata and Birla. The tata group has actually done a lot even for Jamshedpur and for the tribal population and environment around. I don’t know much about the birlas. I should then say that the new generation of tycoons are not in par with the older ones.

I think it’s grand and beautiful, and they are entitled to it because it’s their fortune.

I think we become inured to the dollar figures once they get beyond a certain point, so it doesn’t seem like a lot, and then we start arguing that it must be ok, since it’s capitalism anyway. $2 B is a fantastic amount of money. Rs. 8,000 crores.

There are ways to spend invest $2 B that would create many more jobs, in a far more sustainable fashion, than building a silly skyscraper in Bombay. It is true that some of the consumption ostentation that the very wealthy engage in creates jobs. But on the whole, it creates far fewer jobs than the same amount if invested suitably.

The National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme, for example, which intends to provide a daily wage of Rs. 100.00 for 100 days, could employ 80 lakh workers on Rs 8,000 crores. Now that’s employment.

chachaji,
No argument that Rs.8000 crore invested otherwise would create more wealth for more people than building a 27 floor home. My point is that : now that its built, instead of focusing on the ostentation - its better to focus on the small silver lining: much of the material is from India and the construction labor is Indian.What are you going to do? You cannot prevent people from spending money.Unfortunately, bad taste is not illegal!

I do understand that having the wealth, they should be free to do whatever they want. But I still find this vulgar display of wealth rather revolting, esp in B’bay. Also they have inherited a whole lot themselves and not made anything from scratch (compared to say Narayan Murthy). What I am trying to get across is that there are MUCH better role models than these people to the increasing youth population in India. Also, I am no fan of their business practices either; I got cheated multiple times I have dealt with reliance industries in India. Role models should be like these:
http://www.npr.org/templates/s.....amp;f=1004

I think that it’s just a waste of money. What does he need that house for? He should donate some of that money to people who need it!!!

The pictures prove that no amount of money can buy good taste. The thing is gaudy, kitchy and utterly over-the-top.