Basil Odilim
Throughout human history, those with exceptional knowledge and intellect have always risen to positions of influence, regardless of the size or strength of those with lesser capabilities. This principle is timeless. Consider the story of Joseph in Egypt: he became prime minister not because Pharaoh felt a personal fondness for him—especially as an Israelite in a culture that looked down upon outsiders—but because Joseph possessed wisdom and insight that Egypt could not afford to ignore. Pharaoh understood that Joseph’s talents were invaluable in a time of crisis, and necessity outweighed any bias or loyalty to his own people.
Today, this dynamic is still at play. Beyond the contributions of the Jewish community, Indians have increasingly become indispensable participants in the global knowledge economy. Their expertise is not being sought out of goodwill or affinity but because the world recognizes the essential contributions they bring to industries at the cutting edge of science, technology, and innovation.
In a similar vein, Trump recently announced the creation of a new Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). While Elon Musk has just been appointed to head this new department, it’s biotech investor Ramaswamy—appointed as Musk’s deputy—who is likely to be running the show behind the scenes. Ramaswamy’s role reflects a familiar reality: in today’s most demanding fields, the expertise of Indian professionals is indispensable. It is not a matter of favoritism or cultural preference but of necessity, as no one can ignore the extraordinary value they bring.
In Silicon Valley and other high-tech industries, Indian professionals lead the charge in critical areas like artificial intelligence, biotechnology, and advanced algorithms. They dominate high-tech fields, contributing over 70% of key problem-solving work in areas that power the world, from AI to machine learning and software engineering. Their contributions are not just valued; they’re essential.
The dedication to knowledge that Indian professionals embody sets a standard few can match. They often pursue the most demanding courses at elite institutions like MIT, investing deeply in intellectual and technical mastery. This focus on rigorous knowledge has made Indian expertise indispensable worldwide, especially in emerging fields like herbatechnology—a new biotech branch I am actively working to develop. Herbatechnology blends the ancient wisdom of herbal medicine with cutting-edge biotechnology to create innovative solutions for modern health challenges. As the founder of the African Institute of Technology, I am committed to establishing this new field, where I believe the next great breakthroughs will occur. No doubt that once it’s established, gifted Indians will surely take over and play the pivotal roles, just as they have in the tech and biotech industries before.
For nations aspiring to rise in the global knowledge economy, the example set by Indian professionals serves as both inspiration and reminder: true influence comes not from goodwill but from concrete, irreplaceable value. If a group or individual wants a lasting seat at the table, they must bring unique expertise. Sympathy might open doors temporarily, but it’s tangible skills and achievements that secure long-term influence and respect.
This reality is a wake-up call, especially for my people who currently are lost in superficialities that have only temporary gains. We must recognize that unless we too enter the knowledge race at all costs with the same rigor Indians display, we risk being left behind—just as our forefathers were during the Industrial Revolution. That era left us as spectators, scrambling to catch up with developments that reshaped the world. Today, we cannot afford to make the same mistake. We need to commit to knowledge, innovation, and resilience, bringing our own expertise to the table if we hope to avoid once again becoming mere bystanders.
Odilim, a clinical herbalist, is CEO at Mefona LLC and founder of the African Institute of Technology all in the U.S. He can be reached by email at ceo@mefona.com and by phone at +1 4099347660 or +234 07038501486.
