'Innovation, education rule this century'

Predicting that the 21st century would be ruled by innovation and education, Principal Secretary, e-Governance, IT, BT and ST, M N Vidyashankar urged youngsters to embrace technology for a better future.

He was speaking at the ‘Graduation Day’ celebrations at the International School of Information Management (ISiM) here on Monday.

Citing examples he said that of the top Fortune 500 companies running in USA in 1957, only 74 survived until 2007. The companies that survived had focussed on innovation, helping them out in difficult situations and also keep their market share intact, he added.

Mentioning that e-Governance Department had only 17 staff members, Vidyashankar said that their department was a completely paperless. He said that every file that enters the department can be tracked and if any delay in approving the file takes place, the reason can also be known online.

Discussing about the distribution of Aadhaar cards in the country, he said that Karnataka ranked the first position with 20 lakh cards already being issued. While pointing out that cards were issued only in Mysore and Tumkur Districts, Vidyashankar said that the State government would ramp up the operations in the coming months.

Vidyashankar cited an example of how non-acceptance of technology led to the death of innovative measures adopted by the government.

He said that about five years back, a novel initiative was started at a medical college in Bangalore, wherein a computerised attendance system was introduced. At the same time, if a lecturer or student comes late, their time of arrival would be registered.

However, the system died a slow death as students, parents and faculty members opposed the move to include a transparency in the system.

Addressing graduates, Managing Director, Microsoft Research India, Dr P Anandan called upon youngsters to be bold and pursue their dreams. While telling students not to let success limit them, Dr Anandan told them to aim at constant improvisation.

Vice Chancellor, University of Mysore, Prof V G Talawar, Executive Director, ISiM, Prof Shalini R Urs and others were present.

Gold medallists

Nabhajit Ray and Nikesh N were awarded gold medals on the occasion.