It is rarely recognised that the middle class took on the challenge of global competition much before the protection – seeking business class, the socially interwoven merchant community and the servile feudal gentry were wil l ing to do so. A mer i t -based entrance examination to professional institutions and the civil services gave access to knowledge and power, and by seeking to establish a worldclass professional educational system the middle class produced professionals for the world market. Despite the weak appeal of the 'Made in India' label in the manufacturing sector, 'made in India professionals ' have been in demand the world over. It is not surprising, therefore, that even as the old business oligarchy of the 'Bombay Club' variety feels threatened by global competition, the more self-assured professional middle class has welcomed this.