Amitabh Kant: Cities are in the process of upgrading non-motorized transport infrastructure
Hitachi, Ltd. and Hitachi India Pvt. Ltd. successfully concluded the Hitachi Social Innovation Forum 2021 INDIA ONLINE today. The virtual forum brought together business leaders from varied business backgrounds and subject matter experts to discuss digital solutions and innovations that can pave the way towards a sustainable future. With a combination of 14 business sessions and virtual exhibition showcasing, how technology could enhance operational efficiencies and create a sustainable society in the long term, for India.
The forum was graced by Dr. Rajiv Kumar, Vice Chairman, NITI Aayog, Chief Guest for the event.
The two-day virtual event witnessed an amalgamation of bureaucrats, government officials, heads representing Innovation and Technology fields, industry-best minds & leaders from key industries including Railways, IT, Payment, e-Governance, Healthcare, Agriculture, Manufacturing, Energy, and Infrastructure including city gas distribution. Backed with insightful keynotes, the industry leaders and subject matter experts shared their unparalleled industry knowledge and experience on digital transformation and delved upon enhancing the Environmental, Social and Economic values of citizens and society at large.
Rajiv Kumar, Vice-Chairman, NITI Aayog on the sidelines of Social Innovation forum said, “A collaborative creation with private players like Hitachi is fulfilling the ambitious goals set by the prime minister and will take us forward to new heights. We must keep an eye on the evolving technologies which will help us keep pace with the rest of the world and make our innovators contribute to the societal good as we go forward. The most important part is sustainability and I congratulate Hitachi on its various initiatives to have supported or promoted sustainability. Economic developments and environments should go ahead together and therefore forums like Hitachi Social Innovation Forum will achieve this new direction going forward. We need to make sure that all our corporations follow this example of focusing on the triple bottom line which is profitability, environmental sustainability, and societal improvement.
He further added, “I want to apprise you of the importance that NITI Aayog gives to innovation under the leadership of our prime minister. Under his guidance, we have established the Atal innovation mission which is now in its fifth year and in these five years, we have managed to establish more than 7500 Atal Tinkering labs in secondary schools, 69 Atal incubation centers in the country and we are now taking up the Atal innovation challenges.”
Amitabh Kant, CEO, NITI Aayog on the sidelines of the Hitachi Social Innovation Forum 2021 commented, “I am truly delighted to participate in the Hitachi Social Innovation Forum 2021. India’s auto sector accounts for 7.1% of India’s GDP currently. Our view is that there will be an increased preference for non-motorized transport due to safe distancing. Cities are in the process of upgrading non-motorized transport infrastructure such as walking, cycling, etc., There is also a rise and demand for personal motors due to the need for social distancing. Simultaneous decrease and demand for public transport due to social distancing regulations.”
He further added, “For us to reimagine mobility in the post COVID world, India needs to drive electric mobility revolution of two-wheelers, three-wheelers, and buses. 80% of vehicles sold in India are two-wheelers and three-wheelers. These combined with the buses are the preferred mode of travel by the majority – 90% of the people. E-mobility disruption will provide accessible, affordable, and inclusive safe transportation options for people across the world and India. The focus should be on moving towards e-vehicles but also on moving people and not moving vehicles which can be achieved through transportation and its electrification.”
Commenting on the event, Mr. Bharat Kaushal, Managing Director, Hitachi India said, “Hitachi has been a trusted partner to the Indian government for more than eight decades. We have been offering our technological prowess to accelerate innovation. There has been an increased impetus placed on streamlining digital transformation by the Indian government. We at Hitachi, are actively partnering with the Government of India to hasten its digital journey, leveraging our vast experience in OT X IT to pioneer Social Innovation Business solutions that empower millions to lead a better quality of life, thus realize the vision of an AatmaNirbhar Bharat, a digitally empowered India.”
The forum transformed as a unique 'Collaborative Creation' platform for collective thinking and discussion that can lead the way to build and realize a sustainable society under the new normal.
Eminent speakers accentuated on intervention and upscale of digital technology, while also sharing insights, and ultimately explore pathways for the New Normal way of conducting business.
The intuitive platform revolved around some of the most vital topics in the realm of digital transformation. Hitachi strongly believe in weaving together a collaborative network of partners, business leaders, stakeholders and government leadership to strive for the common goal and support in enhancing India’s position to a global pedestal aligned with the government’s Make in India and Digital India initiatives.
Topics including Artificial Intelligence in post-COVID India, how cash and digital economy go hand in hand in a developing economy, Re-imagining mobility in the aftermath of Covid-19, shifting to electric vehicles (EVs), necessity of integrated renewable energy significance and potential of technology in key areas like manufacturing, e-education, healthcare, agriculture etc. were deliberated upon.
The virtual exhibition canvas offered visitors a real-life experience. Features like Meet Our Team, Resource Centre etc. brought dynamism to the entire exhibition. The audience were able to interact actively by utilizing the chat and polls options, engaging with the thought leaders.
Hitachi, through its Social Innovation Business Solution, is actively partnering in reformative schemes proposed by the government to provide technological expertise in areas such as education, agriculture, and healthcare. Aligning itself and contributing to government’s vision, Hitachi is also supporting the ambitious program of the prime minister’s Atmanirbhar Swasth Bharat Abhiyan and the National Health Digital Mission (NHDM) scheme under Ayushman Bharat, that pledges to offer a Healthier Environment, focusing on tele-medicine and offering health services by providing primary healthcare to all bridging the rural-urban connect.
