Comments on: Dream home exposes poverty gulf

By: Jerry Schmidt of Gainesville, Florida

Jerry Schmidt of Gainesville, Florida — Sun, 26 Jul 2009 13:14:25 +0000

This is an example of complete egotism and absolutely no care for any other human being. He has zero compassion for his fellow man; why doesn't he live in a nice but normal house and make life better for so many others? Does he never think of how poor others are and how just a little money would be so helpful to others? This is truly the "ugly face of capitalism". Without capitalism they would ALL be in poverty, but why can't he have just a little concern for others and help the poor instead of such an ostentatious display of how "important" he thinks he is; he has money, but no heart. What a waste of money, he is evil!

By: Rishi

Rishi — Mon, 15 Jun 2009 23:37:12 +0000

Mumbai is a city where millions have realized their dreams.... I do not see anything wrong here...Unless the property was to be "alloted" to the poor

By: Vrinda Ballal

Vrinda Ballal — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 15:03:20 +0000

Is it Mr. Ambani's responsibility to provide housing for the 60% people who live in slums in the city where he lives? Obviously not. He is a businessman who is earning money doing what he is supposed to do and he has every right to spend the money in any way he wants.

I do not understand why we, as Indians, feel opologatic if we are wealthy?

By: Leslie Davis

Leslie Davis — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 13:21:00 +0000

Of course the Ambanis or any millionaire/billionaire can live however he or she wants to. Its their money & they have worked hard to earn it. What they should share with the public are their taxes, and if that is properly put in place, no body needs to bother about what they do about their money. Well, its quite tempting to look onto the greener side. But there is no point to drool over someone elses fortune.

By: Piyush Monga

Piyush Monga — Sun, 01 Mar 2009 14:06:25 +0000

We cannot force anyone ...can't even suggest how he or she should spend their money, so it's Mr. Ambani who will decide how he want to spend his money bcs it is his money and he is the decision maker

By: cynic

cynic — Fri, 19 Dec 2008 14:37:17 +0000

To criticise how the wealthy choose to spend their money is the highest order of hypocrisy.

In any society – in whatever political or social model – there are always wealthy people of 2 types: 1) the inherited wealthy and 2) the entrepeneurial wealthy. It is this 2nd type which we all can aspire to – and we can all get there – its just a mixture of guts, hard work, perseverance, sweat and some smarts. But, alas, the alternative is somehow more attractive – or so it seems – where its almost easier not to fight to get out of poverty, where it is almost easier to succumb to dispair.

So lets not stand and criticise how he chooses to spend his 1-2 billion$. Lets rather marvel at his ability to stand up and fight and work hard. And lets marvel and be inspired that even in the poorest societies there are people who have scaled the highest peaks of financial achievement. Lets marvel that he HAS 1-2 billion$ to spend on a house!

Build your skyscraper.

One day I hope to do the same.

Never stop dreaming.

By: AO

AO — Wed, 10 Dec 2008 07:01:57 +0000

For years, people had to leave India to make money – it was presumed anyone staying behind is destined to live a middle class life, full of struggles and misery. In the last decade, India produced more millionaires IN INDIA then in past 500 years. People with wealth and people with ability to create wealth have to reside in India for it to prosper and get rid of the slums.Any articfical imposition of barriers or restrections in the name of the 'poor' wil be counterproductive as people with wealth will leave. Any rich society will have great disparity in rich and poor – it is just that in richer socities, the poor are better off! Hats off the Ambanis for not running away to US or Europe after making the first few millions and lead a comfortable life there – they have to be admired for staying on, creating wealth for nation and shareholders, fighting and working with system and showing Indians that a company of this size and magnittude can be created right in India

By: Dana in No. VA

Dana in No. VA — Tue, 09 Dec 2008 21:35:02 +0000

I Think he should be sensitive of the current situations of his neighbors. What good is it walking around in a fur coat when you pay the workers who have nothing but socks to wear pennies who make it? -It's just plain ugly.
I think he should also be fearful of the fact that he may make himself a target. People with nothing will go to great lengths to survive (food, clothing, shelter, etc). He's a minority in a very poor city who seems to be almost flaunting his wealth amongst those who have nothing. He should be willing to freely give b/c of where he chose to live. If he isn't then he should live else where.
He may have earned his wealth, but I think he should live amonst others share his economic position.

By: Janel Jackson

Janel Jackson — Tue, 09 Dec 2008 15:49:31 +0000

I just want to know how a house that was $30,000 in the late 70's can now be sold for $300,000, what exactly is going on with Inflation? People can't buy because they are robbed by the prices of today. Inflation is now a 300% increase every 5 Years I would like to see someone investigate these Appraisers. Are they all in it together as we pay for there MISTAKES. What happened to us? GREED

By: Rajiv

Rajiv — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 21:49:24 +0000

While the free market is the only way to go modern goverments have now failed to make sure the rich are not able to take undue advantage of the system.

This is why we humans, for much of the planet, went to goverments from kingdoms, to provide protection from a huge disparity in power (wealth = power).

This is a sign of a "cancerous growth" and will eventually lead to a collapse. Its unfortunate that the human condition is greed. It amazes me that this guy and his family can "sleep at night" in opulance when nearby countless thousands are sleeping dirty and hungry.

But if he got to this level of being rich there is nothing we can (and should) do to correct his sense of behavior and obligation to humanity. The goverments have already failed in not letting wealth accumulate in the hands of a few. We will shortly prove that democracy and free markets are only slightly better than communism in helping the overall human race. Its sad.

Some Rahul guy says "The opportunities are pretty much equal for everybody" as do many others espouse similar tennats. Are you idiots? Do you live in a different India then I know? For a vast majority of indians (the 70% that are poor) there is absolutely no shot at becoming more that what thjey are born into.