IIT Madras Alumni Association (IITMAA) hosted the Sangam 2019 Annual Conclave on ‘Re-imagining India in 2030’ on 10th Sep, 2019.
ITMAA also released a ‘Mood of the Nation’ Survey, conducted among women, students and IIT Madras Alumni, to capture the sentiment on the state of India in 2030 and role-models who inspire Indians.
The Survey found that the mood of all respondents about India by 2030 is “Highly Positive” with 74 per cent feeling that India’s financial and economic situation will be better.The survey had 2,295 respondents and 38 per cent were women, 37 per cent students and 19 per cent were IIT Madras Alumni.
Delivering the Keynote Address after releasingSangam 2019 ‘Reimagining India in 2030’ Report, Thiru K. Pandiarajan, Minister for Tamil Official Language, Tamil Culture and Archaeology, Govt of Tamil Nadu, said “While each of the five pillars are essential for the growth of India by 2030, the emphasis should be on building a strong cultural identity for the country, at the same time maintaining a coherent diversity.”
Delivering the Special Address, IIT Madras Distinguished Alumnus Awardee Mr. Kris Gopalakrishnan, Co-Founder of Infosys and Chairman, Axilor Ventures, said, “India must strive for equitable, sustainable and inclusive economic growth. Technology and innovation are key to improve productivity, solve societal problems, provide access as well as good jobs to our citizens. Even government rules and regulations must be modernised to keep pace with technology and innovation; in fact, will be key to creating an enabling ecosystem. We have to upgrade our education and training infrastructure to provide foundational as well as continuing education to suit the 21st century society.”
Mr. Kris Gopalakrishnan also administered the ‘I4India@2030 Pledge’ exhorting the alumni and attendees to contribute towards building a strong and vibrant India by 2030.
The ‘Mood of the Nation’ Survey found among all respondents, ‘Scientists’ were the most favored Role Models followed by ‘Politicians’ and ‘Businesspersons.’ The top most priority for India is identified as economic development and growth with education, employment and water following suit. Other ideas in the top 10 priorities for India include population management, poverty reduction, technology capability development,agriculture, reducing corruption and environment.
Respondents in all categories opined that the Top industry sectors in which India is likely to remain or become world-class in the next decade will be the Indian IT industry (software, technology, data, AI). The respondents also believe that India will achieve leadership position by 2030 in sectors such as manufacturing & automobile, agriculture & food and space.
