The 2021 edition of NASSCOM Technology and Leadership Forum (NTLF) was inaugurated on February 17th by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The inauguration session also featured NASSCOM President Debjani Ghosh, NASSCOM Chairman U B Pravin Rao (Infosys), Vice Chairman Rekha Menon (Accenture), Rishad Premji (Wipro), Tiger Thyagarajan (Genpact) and Sridhar Vembu (Zoho).

In his inaugural address, Prime Minister Modi praised the resilience and growth demonstrated by India’s IT sector during the COVID19 pandemic. “When the chips were down, your code kept the world running,” said the PM. “When the whole world was restricted to the four walls of their homes, our IT sector ran their projects with the same commitment and dedication,” he noted. 

The Prime Minister also pointed out that "It's a time when the world is looking at India with greater hope & expectations than before. However tough may be the challenge, we should not think of ourselves as weak or move away fearing challenges. During COVID, our science & technology not only proved itself but also evolved.”

The Prime Minister also mentioned the policy initiatives from the government that will help entrepreneurs and innovators overcome barriers and challenges, such as National Digital Communication Policy and recent policy initiatives regarding liberalisation of mapping & geospatial data for the industry, which will empower our tech start-up eco-system and further our AatmaNirbharBharat mission.

When it comes to AI, the Prime Minister said “we must help agriculture and health sectors with technology and AI. Tech industry needs to provide solutions associated with masses in relation to education and skill development.” AI in Agriculture that enables soil monitoring, water and fertiliser management at scale is the need of the hour and IT industry in India must focus on these issues, he added. 

PM also had advice for startups as he urged start-ups and innovators to think, how we can create world-class products that will set the global benchmark on excellence.