ABSTRACT
Since the end of World War II, South Asian societies have sought modernization and development. Modernization refers to the assertion of norms that are secular rather than sacred, rational rather than mythical, universal rather than parochial, and achievement oriented rather than ascriptive. India's approach to development and modernization issues was, and remains, state centric, although limited economic reforms since 1991 have fostered significant economic growth of the private sector. To bring about a transformation, Indian elites chose a path of political moderation, economic socialism, and bureaucratic controls over India's political and economic life. With the Congress Party's dominance of Indian politics during the Nehru years, Indian officials and Congress Party leaders managed the formation of the five-year plans as per their philosophy. Indira Gandhi created a personality cult and the Indira-centric Congress Party and governmental system. This approach continued with Rajiv Gandhi after he succeeded his mother as prime minister.
