PM Modi launches social welfare app Self4Society

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday launched the "Main Nahin Hum" (I to We) portal and app to enable IT professionals to serve the society.

The portal, which works on the theme "Self4Society", will enable IT professionals and organisations to come together on one common platform and channelise their efforts towards social causes and serve society.

Interacting with IT professionals and captains of the industry through more than an hour-long video conference, he said people want to work for others, serve society and make a positive difference.

Some of the top industrialists of the country such as Anand Mahindra, chairman of Mahindra Group, Sudha Murty, Chairperson of Infosys Foundation and Sameer Garde, President of Cisco Systems among others interacted with the prime minister.

During his speech, Modi criticised people for targeting the corporates and the industrialists.

"It has become a fashion of late to abuse industrialists in the country. I don't know why is it happening, but I am completely against it," Modi said.

In his argument, Modi said that the corporates have immensely contributed to the nation-building and society through CSR activities.

In the recent past, the country has seen an increased criticism of corporates from the oppposition parties and civil society.

In his interaction, Modi said people want to work for others and they want to serve the society and bring a positive difference. Every effort, however big or small, must be valued, he said.

The Prime Minister said, India's youngsters are leveraging the power of technology wonderfully and they are using technology not only for themselves but also for the welfare of others which is a wonderful sign.

IT Professionals, in excess of 40 lakh in number, from about 490 locations across the country joined the event through video-conferencing, which was broadcast live from Jawaharlal Nehru Centre.

IT professionals from Tech Mahindra, Cisco, Cognizant and MindTree among others explained their contribution towards social volunteering, especially in skilling, education, and cleanliness.

In response to their queries, the Prime Minister asserted that the symbol of the Swachh Bharat Mission is the spectacles of Bapu, the inspiration is Bapu and we are fulfilling Bapu's vision.

Speaking on the importance of conserving water, the Prime Minister said that in order to learn about water conservation, people should visit Porbandar in Gujarat, and see the home of Mahatma Gandhi. "We need to conserve water and recycle water. I appeal to my hardworking farmers to embrace drip irrigation", the Prime Minister said.

The Prime Minister said that through volunteering efforts, a lot can be done in the agriculture sector. Youngsters must venture out and work for the welfare of farmers, he added.

He said that India is making a mark in the start-up sector due to the talent of its youth. He said that it is important to create an India where everyone has equal opportunities.

The Prime Minister said doing social work should be a matter of great pride for everyone.

Speaking on the occasion, Minister for Electronic and IT Ravi Shankar Prasad said, the endeavour of IT professionals must be to address the last man in the queue, the oppressed and the marginalised.

Digital empowerment of common man with technology is the main aim of Digital India initiative, he said.