AbstractScience and technology have moved forward in leaps and bounds especially in the West. Asian nations have adopted much of this western development, but the socio-cultural changes have lagged behind. In India, the post-industrial society lives alongside the pre-industrial, leaving people confused. Policy-makers have a conflict between social and scientific progress, and still only 32% of the population is literate. Education and social policy aimed at eliminating cultural deprivation will play a critical role if India is to become a truly industrial nation.