ES. How is digital connectivity transforming the lives of ordinary citizens and businesses?
Chandrika Behl. India is presently undergoing a digital revolution, which is directly impacting the lives of its citizens, creating unique opportunities and opening up new markets for its entrepreneurs. Financial and digital inclusion are at the core of the Government of India’s policies and initiatives. From securing rural connectivity to boosting the quality of services to creating smart cities in urban settings, IT & ICT solutions have emerged as the key enablers in this process. Landmark initiatives such as Jan Dhan-Aadhaar-Mobile (JAM) Trinity have transformed the concept of financial, social and economic inclusion in India; while Aadhaar, through its unique biometric identification, has given the poor and disadvantaged easy access to subsidies. Aadhaar has also emerged as a one-stop solution for all identification requirements.
Government departments and schemes have been interconnected and brought online to allow transparency in functioning. Dashboards and online public grievance cells now allow people to access various services and even file online complaints to seek redressal. Smart and digital solutions in areas such as healthcare and education are transforming these sectors. Initiatives such as Gati Shakti have revolutionised multi-modal connectivity by bringing together several ministries and departments on a single platform to speed up infrastructure projects across the country.
IT and ICT are also extremely relevant to the success of smart cities as they play a crucial role in the implementation of various schemes. The Convergence India and Smart Cities India expos have, over the years, created a platform that enables the perfect synergy between urban development and the technology and innovations that power it.
ES. As one of the oldest players in the industry, how has EIG contributed to building the reputation of the exhibitions industry?
Chandrika Behl. Central to our success, over the decades, is a simple mantra – ensure the success of your customer! We know if we do that, in turn we cement our role and guarantee our own success. Throughout our 30-year journey, we’ve also made sure to showcase India as an emerging market & investment destination, and Indian companies as leading suppliers to the world. It’s this philosophy that’s allowed us to launch and create the leading expos in India and also represent some of the largest and most impactful expos from around the world.
Today, Convergence India and Smart Cities India combine to form the largest and most influential technology and infrastructure expo in India. Meanwhile, through Comnet Exhibitions, we’re also the Indian face of some of the largest and influential expos from around the world. In addition, through Comnet Design we ensure stand design and fabrication of the highest standards throughout the globe for our clients. In this way, we aim to fly the flag for the exhibitions industry in India and abroad.
