Focus on innovation, global mindset, diversity: Raju

Ramalinga Raju

B Ramalinga Raju, chairman of Satyam, on the three-day Nasscom 2006 - India Leadership Forum.

"Nasscom's three-day summit firmly established that the Indian IT industry's thrust has to be towards achieving a global mindset, developing an ecosystem that is innovative, and be comfortable with the idea of diversity in their organisations.

"Nasscom's strong focus on innovation came through with the presentation of innovation awards to eight companies. This is just the sort of impetus needed to foster creative and innovative thinking across the industry.

"If Thomas Friedman lit up the first day with his lucid speech, the final day's highlight was surely the President's speech. It was inspiring in content, ambitious in scope and elegant in simplicity. It is said of great leaders that they know when to raise the bar, and President Kalam proved no different.

"The message from him was clear: expand the reach of information technology to influence the economy at a deeper societal level. Apart from being a numeric goal, his target of $200 billion by 2010 showed that IT can be an engine of growth for the Indian economy.

"One of the more satisfying aspects of Nasscom Leadership Forum 2006 was its special focus on development. Member companies have always been involved in enhancing the living standards in the society that they operate in, but it was a very pleasant surprise to see so many worthy initiatives being taken all across the country by different companies.

"The influence of the IT industry is not limited to those who are directly employed in the industry. The industry is indirectly touching many more lives. With Nasscom Foundation becoming more active, it can also act as a link between various initiatives of member companies. Such spirit of collaboration could have a major transformational influence in shaping tomorrow's India.

"The conference also showed that Nasscom has become a trusted platform for global companies. Participants from various parts of the world have come together to exchange views and establish lasting relationships. In doing so, they all seem to believe that they will enhance their competitiveness and create value through innovative approaches. This augurs well for India. Because, at the end of the day, its opportunities lie in seeking win-win partnerships globally."