Utilizing Technological Advancements is Essential for Fostering Inclusive Development in India: Jeet Adani
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Mumbai, Dec 17 (NationPress) In a developing country like India, leveraging the power of technology is vital for promoting inclusive growth, enhancing governance, and addressing long-standing issues in sectors like education, healthcare, and financial inclusion, ensuring that technology serves every segment of society, stated Jeet Adani, Director of Adani Airport Holdings Ltd (AAHL), on Tuesday.
During his keynote speech at IIT Bombay's 'Techfest' event, Jeet Adani mentioned that India has already made considerable progress in digital services with initiatives like Digital India, which fosters internet connectivity, online services, and digital literacy throughout the nation – these accomplishments are fundamentally grounded in the advantageous use of technology.
"India is moving rapidly in various sectors. The Unified Payments Interface (UPI), which is well-known, has become so successful that other countries are seeking our guidance. India conducts approximately 180 billion cashless transactions annually – a figure that surpasses that of every advanced economy, including the US, UK, Singapore, and any developed European country," he emphasized.
In 2014, India's GDP was $1.85 trillion, accumulated over 66 years of independence.
"In the last decade, this number has more than doubled. While this growth is encouraging and we are also developing the essential infrastructure, the boost our nation urgently requires to align with developed nations is high-end technology," he pointed out.
Jeet Adani noted that the Adani Group has embraced a 'digital first' strategy across its enterprises.
"In the ports and logistics sector, where we rank among the largest globally, we utilize simulation-based training for intricate roles – such as crane operators and wharf checkers – to significantly improve workplace safety and operational efficiency," he shared.
In the airport sector, where the company oversees seven international airports and is constructing a new international airport in Navi Mumbai, "we are investing in technology to aid in better planning and enhance operational efficiency overall."
In 2016, the company completed the 648 MW Kamuthi solar plant in Tamil Nadu, which then became the world's largest single-site solar power project.
"Currently, we are developing another renewable energy facility – in Khavda, western Gujarat. If you thought Kamuthi was large, this one is extraordinarily massive! It exceeds 5 times the size of Paris – and upon completion, it will generate 30 GW of clean energy, establishing itself as the world's largest man-made power source – surpassing thermal, nuclear, and even hydropower," stated Jeet Adani.
"In Khavda, the advantageous application of technology allows us to add around 25 MW daily – which is nearly ten times the daily addition we achieved in Kamuthi – essentially constructing a Kamuthi every month!" he informed the audience.
The Adani Skill Development Centre operates Saksham, a remarkable example of utilizing technology for societal benefit. By employing advanced training techniques that incorporate AI, Virtual Reality, and simulation-based education, Saksham offers high-quality skill development opportunities, enabling thousands of individuals from diverse socio-economic backgrounds to fulfill their aspirations.
"In another initiative called SuPoshan, we utilize a mobile application to input screening data for children, adolescents, and women. This app assists village-level health volunteers in identifying the undernutrition status of targeted beneficiaries and aids in planning necessary actions, allowing real-time data tracking from a distance," said Jeet Adani.
All these examples illustrate that the advantageous use of technology can indeed serve as a powerful catalyst for societal upliftment and economic progress, he remarked, urging that as the reach and capabilities of technology expand, "we must remain vigilant to ensure that the detrimental use of technology does not overshadow its beneficial applications."
