After all this is the WSJ we are talking about, so clearly they will focus on Capitalism et al. If it was Socialist Today or something of that natrue then it would focus on other stuff. For me success is acheiving personal satisfacton and that comes in all shapes and sizes.

With all due to respect to Mr. Mohit Chandra, (I can see he has done very well for himself – KPMG Senior Executive) I don’t see how the Wall Street Journal has missed the point. The purpose of the article wasn’t to define what success is or to equate success with material wealth, but to recognise the achievements of Doscos in corporate America. Surely, corporate America is a hard nut to crack. And, people sitting atop the Mckinseys and Goldmans haven’t actually got there through shallow intent. On the other hand rather, they have got there through a process of reformation: hardwork, dedication, determination and resilience. Furthermore, surely the achievements of a group of people - all belonging to this one community in a remote corner of India, and all coming from humble beginnings - making it big in New York, is an excellent piece for a Wall Street article. Do you suppose the Wall Street Journal cover pieces only on charitable activities? Doesn’t that miss the point of the Journal in the first place? I am sure there are other organisations and newspapers, which are dedicated to the ‘noble’ purposes of the world, and indeed Doscos have made their mark in those spheres too. Sir, must you underscore or cheapen or destroy the achievements of these Mckinsey and Goldman Doscos simply because they have done the ‘immoral’ thing; that they have done well on Wall Street. I’d rather drink a tequila shot for these high-fliers for they are just as important as the Bunker Roys.

Perhaps the question shouldn't be what these (or any other) exDoscos are doing, but rather how they are doing it.

exDoscos have distinguished themselves in both public life and private life. The question, then, might be: have these Doscos upheld the traditions, philosphy, dare I say, honor of Doon in their everyday lives - regardless of the profession they have chosen to pursue?

These are interesting responses. It has been a long time since a major international or Indian publication has covered the alumni in any context other than a corporate one.

I agree, that's where the article falls a little short - it's just about the what and not the how. But then again, maybe that's too much to ask.

I think there are some lessons to be learnt with the progression of public schools in the west (please read: A New Kind of Elite, which appeared recently in Time Magazine http://www.time.com/time/europe/magazine/article/0,13005,901060626-1205329-1,00.html)

Traditionally public schools have contributed to their home nations development by joining public service, military and politics. The career objective of any of these fields was economic development. I could argue that even the military has traditionally played an economic role – acquisition or preservation of economic resources. However as private sector is playing an increasingly important role even in socialist India or communist China, perhaps Doon could best serve the nation by focusing its energies on producing the next generation of environmentally and socially conscious business executives and entrepreneurs. If that means that students choose to go abroad to pursue better career opportunities so be it. I know many Doscos abroad who are contributing significantly, perhaps more, to India's development by amplifying opportunities in India to foreign investors.

I also believe Doon’s primary responsibility is to the student and society comes a distant second. Monastic living, camaraderie, social and cultural awareness, independent thought, creativity and excellence are the values Doon tries to imbibe in us over a 6 year period. Finally the decision to become a Vikram Malhotra (3 that I know of and all are doing fantastically well) or a Bunker Roy lies with the individual.

Personally, I chose to become a Swiss private banker and do my bit to expound the virtues of investing in India to my clients. I prefer that to managing insignificant (in terms of scale and personal compensation) social / rural development projects in India, which I did try to do for couple of years after graduation.

Another fact I would like to point out is most Doscos who lead successful corporate lives eventually pursue their interests in writing, art, music, agriculture, social work etc. Atleast thats the pattern that emerges if you look at the 1991 Dosco Register. I am sure teh new Dosco Register will alo support my hypothesis.

Email: yatish2@hotmail.com