A Visual Look at the Impact of Technology in India

Teledensity



The map of India on the iPhone represents teledensity in India, which is a measure of the number of landline telephones in use for every 100 individuals living within an area. The states that are a lighter shade of purple have higher teledensities and the states that are a darker shade have lower teledensities. The figures corresponding to each shade, from lightest to darkest, are in the order 8.01- 11.00, 6.01-8.00, 4.01-6.00, 2.01-4.00, and 1.00-2.00. The states in the noth and east have the lowest teledensities. It is important to note here that while wireline teledensity has stayed at an average of 3 across the nation, wireless teledensity is currently at 53.77 and is growing at a phenomenal rate of 8.76%.

The map of India framed by the iPhone is placed on another map of the country, suggesting a kind of repetition and self-referentiality. The complexity of the larger political map, with the names and boundaries of numerous cities and states, contrasts with the simplicity of the map depicted on the iPhone. Another interesting dimension of this picture is that one phone is being used as a tool to showcase the distrubution of phones nationwide. The rule of thirds is also being used with the main subject, the iPhone, situated in one corner of the picture.

Technology vs. Tradition

This picture represents an entirely different theme altogether: how technology is affecting the culture and traditions that are so prevalent in India. India has always been a country that takes pride in its heritage, with ideas, rituals, customs, monuments, artifacts and cuisines from a variety of religions and time periods all living together in a single space. However, with the growth and spread of technology, the cultural landscape is steadily undergoing a metamorphosis, especially amongst the youth.

With this picture, I tried to show how technology, represented by the iPod, may be pulling down or undermining the more conservative-minded and tradition-centered India, represented by the sacred camel. The younger generations are increasingly becoming more liberal, after seeing the mass of information that they can seek, gather and share. Many of the older citizens may not have the opportunity or will to engage in this Info 2.0 world.

Another way to interpret this picture is that tradition and technology are coexisting in India, represented by the cable that ties the camel and iPod together.

This picture is a close-up, but isn't as detailed as the last picture. The meaning is meant to be conveyed in a subtle fashion. There is a clear contrast between the shiny, gold surface of the camel, the metallic blue of the iPod and the white wall. Also, both subjects are equally significant.