Thiruvananthapuram, March 7 (NationPress) In a significant dialogue between political figures and the technology sector, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi interacted with IT professionals, startup innovators, and technologists at the Technopark campus this Saturday. He urged for an intensified emphasis on skills, innovation, and manufacturing to secure India’s economic growth.

The event, dubbed “Technology, Innovation and Opportunity,” attracted around 200 invited tech experts, including software developers, startup founders, and industry leaders.

The audience greeted the Congress leader with fervent applause, showcasing the eagerness and interest among Kerala’s tech workforce to connect with political leaders regarding the future of the digital economy.

During the discourse, Rahul Gandhi characterized himself as “a politician dedicated to establishing politics on the basis of truth,” elaborating on the challenges and prospects arising from swift technological advancements.

Addressing worries about automation and artificial intelligence, he asserted that new technologies do not necessarily eliminate jobs; rather, they often redirect them into new sectors.

The principal challenge, he emphasized, is equipping the workforce to adjust.

“Jobs are not vanishing; they are evolving. The focus should therefore be on nurturing the skills necessary for emerging opportunities,” he stated, highlighting the importance of ongoing learning and flexibility.

Reflecting on India’s tech evolution, Rahul Gandhi recalled how his father, former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi, championed the promotion of software development in India, a vision initially dismissed as impractical by General Electric's then-leadership.

Today, however, that foresight has transformed India into a global IT leader.

The Congress leader also voiced concerns regarding global supply chains, noting that many vital components for advanced technologies, such as drones, are predominantly produced in China.

Drawing from his recent trip to Germany, he underscored the necessity for India to bolster its manufacturing sector.

“India must transition towards a production- and manufacturing-focused economy instead of remaining predominantly consumer-driven,” he stated.

Rahul Gandhi further stressed the importance of democratizing technological progress so that innovation is beneficial not only for large corporations but also for startups and small enterprises.

In this regard, he proposed reforms in the Goods and Services Tax framework to offer enhanced support to MSMEs and small businesses.

The Congress leader also highlighted the increasing significance of data privacy, especially with the rising use of medical and genetic data.

Protecting personal data, he noted, would become a crucial policy issue as digital technologies continue to advance.

Discussing India's unique strengths, Rahul Gandhi remarked that Indians have a remarkable capacity to create order from apparent chaos.

He referred to the teachings of Kerala's social reformer Sree Narayana Guru, recalling the spiritual leader’s message that true progress commences with inner discipline and self-awareness.

The Congress leader expressed gratitude to the people of Kerala for their support during challenging political times, adding that the state has imparted valuable lessons about closely connecting with the populace.

In concluding the session, he invoked Mahatma Gandhi's words, emphasizing that only societies built on compassion and respect for all beings can achieve enduring prosperity.

This engagement marked Rahul Gandhi’s inaugural interaction with technology professionals at Technopark, with organizers noting that participation exceeded expectations, reflecting the growing enthusiasm among young professionals to influence India’s economic and technological future.