Indian Overseas Congress (IOC) Australia had organised a formal reception in Melbourne for Mr. Sam Pitroda, the person who spearheaded Indian telecom and digital revolution in 80s that transformed the nation for good. The event was held at Beau Monde International in Doncaster on 2018 Jan 26, marking the combined occasion of India’s Republic day and Australia Day. The IOC team lead by Mr. Manoj Sheoren, Mr. Arun Palackalody, Mr. Robert Sebastian and Mr. Kranti Dev Reddy received Mr. Pitroda at the venue. The event started with Indian National Anthem sung by Ms. Chaondryama followed by Australian National Anthem by Robert Sebastian, National General Secretary, IOC.
The event was presided over by Mr. Ravi Bhatia, former CEO of iPrimus and was attended by more than 200 people ranging from all walks of life.
Mr. Manoj Sheoren, National President, IOC delivered the formal welcome speech and invited Mr. Pitroda for key note address. An inspiring video depicting the early life and career of Sam was screened as preamble to the key note address.
During the address, Sam narrated his early life and the intricate voyage to reach US and the audacity in tackling various challenges. The defining moment of Indian telecom occurred during one of his visits to India as he happened to witness ‘funeral of telephones’ - a phrase which he used to describe inoperative telephones in India – which made him think about being a catalyst to reform the telecom sector of the nation. He knew that the task cannot be carried out without the ardent support of the incumbent government. At last he managed to get a chance to make a detailed hour long presentation to Mrs. Indira Gandhi and to her entire cabinet which had also been attended by Mr. Rajiv Gandhi. The PM was happy and convinced with the presentation. Later when Rajiv became PM, Sam was appointed as advisor. During the tenure he headed 6 technology missions related to telecommunications, water, literacy, immunisation, dairy and oil seeds. Later he headed National Knowledge Commission under the United Progressive Alliance govt. and in 2009 was appointed as advisor to PM Dr. Singh on public information infrastructure and innovations with the rank of Cabinet Minister.
The participants gave an overwhelming response to Sam’s address and shown greater interest in Q&A session. For answer to one of the questions related to his vision about the world in 20 years down the line, Mr. Pitroda stressed the need for self-learning, horizontal career path and embrace for changes like AI controlled cars, fewer or no traffic signals, lesser number of private cars so on and so forth.
The whole session was attended with greater enthusiasm and the crowd gathered offered him standing ovation as a mark of respect. His vision and ideas represent how India as a nation should be; nation with unity in diversity, pluralism and upholding all those greater ethos the founding fathers had visualised.
A memento was presented by Mr. Arun Mathew Palackalody, Vice President, IOC followed by a personal interaction and Photo Op.
