In contrast, this other talk at the same event at least offered some slightly more interesting insights (relatively speaking) into cultural diversity, to Indians who may not have figured it all out on their own. But again, it suffers from the same disease: the title is "East vs. West -- the myths that mystify" but the only "East" being discussed is India. And falls prey to the same temptation: the stereotyping of mystical yet modern India, on whose streets bullock carts jostle with BMWs, where 'Jugaad' is what makes it all work.
I fail to understand why speakers participating in an event held in India should explain India to a predominantly Indian audience. And if the audience was not predominantly Indian, then why take the trouble to hold such an event in India?
What TED should do is to get "standard" TED content and speakers to places like India, and invite speakers on all things Indian to their events in other locations (with strict instructions to stay away from cliche, no matter how innovatively packaged / eloquently presented). This would go a long way in facilitating cultural osmosis and in helping people all over the world embrace and celebrate diversity.
