*what defines intellect?
:-> Ability to use the grey matter inside the skull , to understand , analyze and take decisions that are not based on instinct or any feeling .More of a logical and creative thinking , instead of bookish version.
*what defines the intellect of a society and a nation?
:->I would say , its directly proportional to the amount of innovation[ideas] contributed by the society. THats just my 2 cents.My own opinion.
*where does india stand?
:->No idea about the stats. of intellectual ranking gloablly , however I would say modern Indian society is based on more of a step-by-step defined set of rules. Education system (on grass root level) , does not fosters creative thinking.
We are becoming slaves of materialism and our Desires. We do what we are taught. Most of us try to stay within the limits of thinking.
*what/how is the thought process of most indians?
:->Get into a good school.
Obtain exceptional marks in board.
Get into the top colleges , and earn a very good in-demand degree.
Get placed at top MNCs.
And enjoy the pleasures of life.
*are the indian "intellectuals" being able to influence the society? if not, then why not? if yes, then is it enough ?
->IMO , Intellectuals will always influence the society , no matter whether its Indian or Firaang. But the issue is that we have a very few of such intellectual people in India who think out of the Box.
The questions are quite tough to answer. I am not even sure whether my thoughts on this were relevent to what OP wanted.