We need to create our own model of development based on affordability, scalability and sustainability: Sam Pitroda
India holds tremendous growth potential, we can increase our per capita income through innovations propelled by infrastructure, information technology and inclusive growth: S Gopalakrishnan, President Designate, CII
CII Western Region Annual Meeting 2013 took place here today. The meeting delved on the theme ‘India Transformed’.
Addressing the session, Mr Sam Pitroda, Advisor to the Prime Minister on Public Information Infrastructure & Innovations, Government of India, said, “We need to create our own model of development based on affordability, scalability and sustainability.” He observed that disparity in income, education and urbanization levels, need for equality in skills, nutrition and housing and for development are challenges before us and to overcome these we should learn to create new learning models and low cost solutions. Appreciating the initiatives of National Knowledge Commission towards enhancing education and research standards and of the government towards erecting public infrastructure and “re-engineering the nation”, he observed, “Creating public information infrastructure would lead to democratizing information.” Mr Pitroda also touched upon enhancing connectivity at the panchayats and transforming local governance.
Pradeep Bhargava, Chairman, CII (WR) welcomed the audience. Speaking at the public session, S Gopalakrishnan, President Designate, CII said, “India holds tremendous growth potential, we can increase our per capita income through innovations propelled by infrastructure, information technology and inclusive growth.” He highlighted that economic liberalization, revolutions in information technology and telecommunications, advances in science and technology and attainments in education, innovation and entrepreneurship have shaped India so far however, there are also areas that prompt concern. He pointed towards chronic malnutrition, need for skills development and entrepreneurship especially in the rural manufacturing and governance reforms which need to be addressed to regain the growth trajectory of Indian economy.
Moderating the panel discussion on “Transforming India: Vision for India@2050”, Mr Naushad Forbes, Past Chairman, CII (WR) stimulated discussion on the role of ‘inclusive innovation’ to make industry more flexible and inclusive while also promoting innovation and profitable business. Mr R Mukundan, Deputy Chairman, CII (WR), observed that “Branding has to pick up in India” and suggested that we need to discard the concept of “cheap and cheerful”. Mr Sanjiv Bajaj, Managing Director, Bajaj Finserv Limited, highlighted the increasing penetration of insurance during last decade on back of innovation while Ms Avani Saglani Davda, Chief Executive Officer, Tata Starbucks Ltd. underlined the need for percolating businesses outside prime cities and towns. A short Film on CII Skill Training Centre, Chindwara was run during this discussion.
In a special session on “Grassroots Impacts”, Dr G Mohan Gopal, Director, Rajiv Gandhi Institute for Contemporary Studies stated, “CII and the industry should promote transformation in industrial relations and promote equity in the social fabric”. Mr Farhan Pettiwala, President, Enactus India briefed the audience about skills training initiatives at Enactus. Mr Ninad Karpe expressed views on higher impact value of the digitized content and observed that “Digitized contents do not substitute education but can supplement education.”
Mumbai, March 22, 2013