They are all around us during Diwali—the LED string lights and the series connectors that supply power to the ladis. These tiny lights and connectors actually shed light on a big gap in India's manufacturing ecosystem. It is a disconnect that questions the Make in India and Buy Swadeshi campaigns.
This is a story of manufacturing and economics, but without theories and jargons—just Diwali lights and ladi connectors or jointers.
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The story starts at one of the biggest electrical and hardware stores in South Delhi, but it could be anywhere in India. I visit this shop often, and did so last weekend to replenish my stock of Diwali decoration lights. Two to three of the string lights need to be replaced every year. They are but Chinese string lights, just a thread thicker than the killer Chinese manjha strings.
Over the years, however, the quality of these Chinese Diwali lights has improved. The 10-metre Chinese lights are available for Rs 95-110 per piece. This year, I was offered the option of Made-in-India Diwali lights.
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