One of the stunning demographic statistics of today is this: 65% of India’s massive population is 35 (my age) or younger.  This has some profound ramifications for the rest of the world, especially aging Western nations and their companies.  Having an India strategy will be increasingly critical for fast food chains, the fashion sector, Hollywood, candy companies, toiletry makers, and so much more.  We are not far from the day where India will be the #1 market in the world by volume for Facebook, Pepsi, Domino’s Pizza, Marlboro, Apple, Xbox, Unilever, etc. Once this happens the phenomenon would probably last for decades considering China is more populated but also more closed, with an older population.

Beyond that, we may start to see India retain its position as the #1 market for entire industries for decades on end.  As a result of the demographic and cultural trends, we may even one day get to the point where India is where “cool” comes from, exported to the rest of the world.  India’s rich youth culture may end up starting trends for youth in other parts of the world.  Social media and the Internet will help make this happen.

That being said, we are still a ways from that day.  Till then, we will have to settle for laughing at Indian youth, such as in this hilarious video of pickup lines captured on camera in India by Awkwardness Unlimited. What made me laugh out loud was, sadly, the accents and mannerisms.

Mahanth S. Joishy is Editor of usindiamonitor