Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in a significant discourse on March 29, pinpointed agriculture, education, and health as sectors ripe for technological transformation. During an interaction with philanthropist and Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates, Modi reiterated his resolve to bridge the digital divide in India, emphasizing the imperative of leveraging technology for the nation's progress.
Addressing Gates, Modi expressed his aspiration to allocate resources for indigenous research in cervical cancer, aiming to develop cost-effective vaccines. He pledged his government's dedication to ensuring widespread vaccination, particularly among girls.
Modi also emphasized the necessity of digital public infrastructure. The move was reiterated by Gates and he commended India's leadership in this realm.
Stressing on the global issue of climate change, Modi advocated for redefining developmental parameters, shifting away from metrics like electricity and steel usage towards concepts such as green GDP and green employment. Responding to Gates' query on affordability in adopting eco-friendly practices, Modi advocated for nature-centric innovation and sustainable lifestyles as a dual strategy to combat climate change.
Modi also talked about the adverse environmental impact of conventional benchmarks like steel consumption and energy usage. He stressed the urgency of revising developmental norms to align with climate-friendly practices.
Discussing Artificial Intelligence (AI), Modi cautioned against viewing it as a panacea for human laziness, citing its practical applications in translation and accessibility, notably during the G20 summit.
He emphasized the role of AI in self-improvement and showcased its potential through innovative initiatives like facial recognition technology.
Modi reiterated his commitment to democratizing technology, empowering all citizens with equal opportunities. He outlined initiatives like the "Drone Didi" scheme and telemedicine services as manifestations of technology-driven inclusivity, particularly benefiting rural communities.
He also asserted about the transformative role of digital technology in education, addressing shortcomings in teaching and heralding its significance in the fourth industrial revolution.
Considering India's effective utilization of the CoWin platform for COVID-19 vaccination, Modi emphasized the country's adeptness in harnessing technology for the betterment of the public, despite facing global adversities.
Watch the full interaction here: https://youtu.be/idtZ_DsPWT8?si=mSizDmnFIv26qNI3
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