There were more indirect techniques of influence too, as prominent tycoons expanded their business operations to open hospitals, schools, hotels, and newspapers. “The reason is simple,” as Sharma put it. “Most people understand it is wrong to take cash bribes, but few in India see much of a problem in accepting gifts in kind, even one as valuable as free medical treatment for a family member, free schooling for a child, free hotel banquet facilities for a niece’s wedding, or favorable coverage for one’s business or political ambitions in the local rag.”29
