India is the hotspot of digital innovation, says PM Narendra Modi

PM Modi

In the true spirit of Digital India, Prime Minister Narendra Modi today declared the IT industry body’s annual event open through video conferencing through the homegrown National Informatics Centre-developed product for the purpose.

Beginning by welcoming delegates to Hyderabad, which is a change of venue for Nasscom India Leadership Summit that is usually held in Mumbai, Modi said technology was an enabler in the 21st century.

“Today, India is the hot-spot of digital innovation, across all sectors. We not only possess a growing number of innovative entrepreneurs, but also a growing market for tech innovation. We were and we remain one of the most tech-friendly populations in the world,” the Prime Minister said, addressing a packed hall at the Hyderabad International Convention Centre in Hyderabad on Monday.

He spoke about the success of Digital India, rural digital literacy programmes, e-Marketplace and skilling the workforce for the changing workplace.

“Skilling citizens for the workplace of the future is now a global imperative. In India, we have launched the National Skill Development Mission to prepare our children and youth for a productive and bright future,” he said.

"Digital India has not remained merely a government initiative but has become a way of life. Technology has transcended power point presentation and has become an inseparable part of people's life," he added.

He also stressed the importance of disruptive technologies such as blockchain and the Internet of Things, adding that these sectors will have a profound impact on the way, people live and work.

"We stand today, at a moment in history when technology, if used well for public good, can deliver lasting prosperity to mankind and a sustainable future for our planet," he said.

Speaking about the government's initiative on digital literacy, Modi said that the Pradhan Mantri Rural Literacy Mission has already trained 10 million people and targets to make 60 million adults digitally literate in rural India.