National Technology Day: Technology isn’t just a tool; it’s the very fabric shaping the nation’s trajectory

India celebrates National Technology Day on May 11, commemorating a legacy of innovation and technological progress. In contemporary India, technology isn’t just a tool; it’s the very fabric shaping the nation’s trajectory. From bustling metropolises to remote villages, its impact resonates profoundly.

With a burgeoning population and diverse needs, technology emerges as the great equalizer, bridging gaps and fostering inclusion. Whether it’s the proliferation of smartphones empowering connectivity or innovative fintech solutions revolutionizing banking, the landscape is evolving rapidly.

Moreover, advancements like AI and blockchain are reshaping industries, propelling India onto the global stage as a tech powerhouse. In education, healthcare, agriculture, and governance, technology isn’t merely an accessory but an indispensable catalyst for progress and transformation.

The Tech Panda asked the tech sector what their thoughts are on National Technology Day.

Ruban Phukan, CEO & Cofounder, GoodGist

As we navigate a revolution in technology, it transforms from mere tools to intelligent partners, offering unprecedented opportunities to address global challenges. With this great power comes a profound responsibility to use technology ethically and to continuously evolve our learning to shape a better world, uplift humanity, and sustainably manage our planet

“As we navigate a revolution in technology, it transforms from mere tools to intelligent partners, offering unprecedented opportunities to address global challenges. With this great power comes a profound responsibility to use technology ethically and to continuously evolve our learning to shape a better world, uplift huma

nity, and sustainably manage our planet.”

Jitesh Shetty, CEO, Credibl ESG

“With a quarter of Indian employees looking to change jobs in 2024 and retention rising even within India’s top-listed companies, improving staff retention may need a fresh approach.  While leaders need to ensure that working environments, benefits, and salaries are in order, the issue of engagement is something that often gets overlooked.

With a quarter of Indian employees looking to change jobs in 2024 and retention rising even within India’s top-listed companies, improving staff retention may need a fresh approach

“By taking more active steps to champion Environmental, Sustainability and Governance (ESG) initiatives, companies can actively work to re-engage employees, boost reputation and attract new talent.”

Deepti Juturu, CEO, Prezentium

Although the presence of female founders and C-Suite executives isn’t as rare as it used to be, there is still a long way to go in terms of closing the gender gap

“Although the presence of female founders and C-Suite executives isn’t as rare as it used to be, there is still a long way to go in terms of closing the gender gap. In 2023, startups founded or co-founded by women in India secured $1.08 billion in funding. Yet this represents just 6.97% of the share of all VC funding, highlighting the significantly small share that Indian start-ups with female founders typically receive.”

Mukund Wangikar, VP digital Engineering Practices, InfoVision

“On this National Technology Day, we celebrate the transformative power that technology brings to businesses and individuals alike. From cloud computing to artificial intelligence, we stand at the cusp of a remarkable technological revolution that promises to redefine every aspect of our society.

From cloud computing to artificial intelligence, we stand at the cusp of a remarkable technological revolution that promises to redefine every aspect of our society

“Committed to ethical tech deployment, we aim to dismantle barriers, foster diversity, and drive enduring prosperity. Recognizing the immense responsibility, we pledge integrity in ensuring equitable technology distribution nationwide. As stewards of progress, we are devoted to empowering India’s visionaries and trailblazers to shape a future where technology acts as a force for positive change, enriching the lives of current and future generations.”

Satendra Singh, CTO, Propelld

In the education sector, technology is vital in making loans more accessible, particularly for students in Tier 2 and 3 cities. This financial inclusivity is crucial for nurturing India’s skilled workforce to become a $5 trillion economy by 2027

“On National Technology Day, we celebrate the Tech innovations that empower. In the education sector, technology is vital in making loans more accessible, particularly for students in Tier 2 and 3 cities. This financial inclusivity is crucial for nurturing India’s skilled workforce to become a $5 trillion economy by 2027.”

Rubal Sahni, Area Vice President & Country Manager India, Confluent

“As we celebrate National Technology Day, we must instill that same spirit of innovation and technological prowess in the next generation. It’s about providing the right educational resources, and exposing them to cutting-edge technologies. This cultivates a mindset geared towards solving problems through the lens of technology. Empowered with these tools, our youth will grow into the tech trailblazers and startup disruptors of tomorrow.

In a digital-first India, we should continue to look at ways to innovate and disrupt the status quo by shifting to a real-time data infrastructure

“In a digital-first India, we should continue to look at ways to innovate and disrupt the status quo by shifting to a real-time data infrastructure. By harnessing the power of data in motion, enterprises can power real-time customer experiences and data-driven business operations, such as suggesting the next show to watch in real time or providing live information on the status of a grocery order. With Confluent, organizations can set their data in motion to win in the digital-first world.”

Soumendra Mohanty, Chief Strategy Officer, Tredence

“I believe India can potentially lead the way in AI innovation, especially in emerging areas like Gen AI. By fostering collaborations with startups, academia, and Global Capability Centers (GCCs), and with robust funding and incubation, we can propel this vision forward.

As AI gains momentum, more Indian companies are aligning themselves with this growth by establishing dynamic Centers of Excellence, implementing AI governance frameworks, and appointing dedicated AI leaders

“As AI gains momentum, more Indian companies are aligning themselves with this growth by establishing dynamic Centers of Excellence, implementing AI governance frameworks, and appointing dedicated AI leaders.

“To further advance the AI agenda, technology companies should prioritize client-centric strategies, address skill gaps through structured training, and foster collaboration across departments to drive sustained innovation.”

Shivam Thakral, CEO, BuyUcoin

Web3 holds immense potential, particularly in the context of India’s evolving financial sector. It promises to democratize access to financial services, offering a gateway to previously underserved populations

“The growth of India’s crypto industry has been remarkable, with Web3 technology emerging as a catalyst for transformative change. Web3 holds immense potential, particularly in the context of India’s evolving financial sector. It promises to democratize access to financial services, offering a gateway to previously underserved populations. As we celebrate National Technology Day, we reaffirm our commitment to shaping the future of finance in India.”

Jyotsna Hirdyani, South Asia Head, Bitget

“India has been a key centre of technological research and innovation. It also has a robust startup ecosystem that links seamlessly with those in other countries. India’s leadership position in information technology makes it a natural destination for new blockchain and web3 development projects.

India’s National Technology Day once again reminds us of the premier role the country plays in fostering technological innovations and giving space to new and emerging technologies

“Web3 is the new internet where users have control over their content and also earn a share of the revenue. Blockchain and Web3 are poised to play an important role in the emerging decentralised business and technology landscape. India’s National Technology Day once again reminds us of the premier role the country plays in fostering technological innovations and giving space to new and emerging technologies. As many Indian startups and technology professionals are engaged with Web3 projects, we expect the momentum to continue.”

RV Ramanathan, CEO & Co-founders of Hyperface

As the world gravitates toward rapid digital transformation, fintechs stand at the forefront, revolutionising how financial services are delivered and consumed

“Today, we celebrate the transformative potential of technology in reshaping India’s financial landscape. As the world gravitates toward rapid digital transformation, fintechs stand at the forefront, revolutionising how financial services are delivered and consumed. With widespread smartphone penetration and affordable internet, fintech solutions can now reach even the most remote corners of our country, unlocking opportunities for previously underserved customer segments.”

Harshit Jain MD, Founder & Global CEO, Doceree

“Like other industries, the Indian healthcare sector is rapidly embracing technology, marking a new era of innovation. From personalized medicine and triggered messaging to virtual consultations and smart devices, technology is revolutionizing healthcare access, bridging affordability and information gaps, and promoting health equity, unprecedently. Data-driven insights too are becoming increasingly crucial for real-time patient care and drug development.

From personalized medicine and triggered messaging to virtual consultations and smart devices, technology is revolutionizing healthcare access, bridging affordability and information gaps, and promoting health equity, unprecedently

“A genuine applaud would go to the Govt. of India for introducing Ayushman Bharat Health Account (ABHA), that is seeking to enhance healthcare access, relieve financial burdens on vulnerable groups, and improve overall healthcare quality—all with technology and data-driven methods. Evidently, the road for innovation and improvement in healthcare goes a long way with such progressive nation-wide initiatives. Looking ahead, with technology soon becoming integral to reducing healthcare costs and aiding healthcare professionals in informed decision-making, innovations like Artificial Intelligence (AI) are poised to drive sustainable growth and transformative solutions in the industry.”

Dr. Gopichand Katragadda, President of the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET)

“On this National Technology Day, let us celebrate India’s ascendancy in the global technology arena, where every innovation and every achievement marks our relentless pursuit of excellence. From the intricate corridors of our burgeoning startups to the expansive trajectories of our space missions, India’s technological tapestry is vibrant and diverse. Our professionals, both at home and abroad, are not just participants but leaders on the world stage, constantly pushing the boundaries of what’s possible.

Let us pledge to nurture this ecosystem with fervour, ensuring that the next generation of technology solves complex challenges and propels us towards unprecedented heights of development and prosperity

“Today, we call upon our stalwarts in the industry to commit anew to the future—by investing 2-4% of their revenues in research and development. Such dedication will fuel our ongoing technological revolution and secure India’s position as a global powerhouse of innovation and enterprise. Let us pledge to nurture this ecosystem with fervour, ensuring that the next generation of technology solves complex challenges and propels us towards unprecedented heights of development and prosperity.”

Sarvagya Mishra, Co-founder & Director, Superbot

Together, let’s harness the boundless potential of technology to inspire, create, and propel humanity forward into a new era of possibilities

“Celebrating National Technology Day is not just about acknowledging the marvels of modern innovation but also about honoring the relentless pursuit of progress that defines us. Together, let’s harness the boundless potential of technology to inspire, create, and propel humanity forward into a new era of possibilities.”