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When I grew up in India, telephones were a rarity. In…

“When I grew up in India, telephones were a rarity. In fact, they were so rare that elected members of Parliament had the right to allocate 15 telephone lines as a favor to those they deemed worthy. If you were lucky enough to be a wealthy businessman or an influential journalist, or a doctor or…” quote by Shashi Tharoor
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“When I grew up in India, telephones were a rarity. In fact, they were so rare that elected members of Parliament had the right to allocate 15 telephone lines as a favor to those they deemed worthy. If you were lucky enough to be a wealthy businessman or an influential journalist, or a doctor or something, you might have a telephone.”

Shashi Tharoor

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Scarcity of communication tools once defined social hierarchy and power distribution.

In simple terms: Phones were rare, showing inequality.

Key Takeaway

Recognize how technology shapes power.

Themes

technology inequality communication politics history

Mood

analytical critical

Type

political social

When to use this quote

  • policy analysis
  • media studies
  • development planning

Key Concepts

digital divide accessibility social stratification

Questions to Reflect On

  • How does tech access affect democracy?
  • What can reduce modern digital gaps?
A Different Perspective

Even today, unequal access persists.

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