Ben Boothe Speak's at India's I 2 IT, Leading Tech University in India
PP Chhabria founded Finolex, one of India's modern success stories. After making his millions, he donated a reported $50,000,000 to found this university of technology, I2IT.
Located in Pune, India, it is a three hour drive south of Mumbai (Bombay). Pune, unlike much of India, is cool, in the hills. And it is a pocket of high tech business, study and research. Thus, I was particularly pleased to again visit this University, and mix with some of the brightest young minds in India. These students are respectful, dedicated, and brilliant. They represent the future of India, and in the next 20 years, as India takes its place as a world power, these students will impact our globe.
My presentation, "Global trends in Technology and Communications, and our Social Responsibility" provided an overview of what is happening in places as diverse as the United States, Mongolia, and India. Where are we? In the modern age of Cyberspace, the answer is: I AM HERE. It is an answer with multi level implications for technology, society, economies, and even religion and politics. The students were warm, responsive, and appreciated the call to using the powerful technology at our disposal, to help mankind.
DR. IRWIN JACOBS, THE CDMA GURU, SHARES NEW INNOVATIONS IN CELL PHONE TECHNOLOGY @ I2IT
This Photo shows Ben Boothe, Professor Krishna Moorthy and Irwin Jacobs together in Pune, India. Irwin Mark Jacobs developed the CDMA (Code Division Multiple Access) digital wireless technology that enabled cellular phones, and a world wide boom in communications. He is called the Guru of CDMA. As the Chairman and CEO and founder of Qualcomm he presides over a multi-billion dollar business with 9,000 employees and 2004 revenues in excess of $5,000,000,000 (yes, that's Billion) dollars. A business destined to grow. "There are 2 billion cell phones in the world. When I hear a cell phone ring, it makes me happy!" Then he said: "I now no longer think of these as cell phones. I consider them what they really are, mini- computers." Then he made the following points:
1. Mini computers (cell phones) are selling faster than laptops or desk computers
2. Mini computers have the memory potential in the drawing boards that will make them comparable in power to Lap Top computers
3. Mini computers will largely replace laptops
4. Innovative uses for cell phones:
- Viewing of movies and television programs
- Blood testing equipment to check for diabetes
- G.P.S. navigation devices
- Homing beacon locator devices
- Map books
- Note books, address books, and memo pads
- Internet messengers, SMS messengers, and voice messengers
- Cameras
- Drivers for power point and movie "on screen" presentations
- Emergency broadcast communications devices, early warning devices for Tsunami type events when normal broadcast systems fail
He described new technologies, new chips, and new innovations in the industry and then said: "The phenomenal growth rates in the industry will continue for at least 10 more years." Then he announced that Qualcomm will participate with I2IT in a new communications research lab at International Institute of Internet Technology, called QUALCOMM LAB. It was a pleasure being with Dr. Irwin Jacobs and enjoying his keen smile and quick wit. He is truly a man who has changed the world that we live in.
WHAT THE USA COULD LEARN FROM UNIVERSITIES IN INDIA
India's Universities differ from those in the USA in several respects. It makes a difference, in the quality of education.
1. Indian Universities, such as I2IT have a deep and abiding respect for the process of education, as a sacred trust. An American professor came and said: "I'm in the business of education." And created a firestorm of response. Because in India, education is not considered a business. It is considered a sacred trust, in place for the students. Money is not central. Money is hardly on the radar screen. Indian educators believe in teaching education. That an educational institution that focuses on money compromises what it is what it should be, and the concept of pure education with integrity. By following this theory, they are not dominated by the "whims" of powerful donars, who want everything to be "politically correct".
2. Indian Universities demonstrate a huge respect for their students. Unlike Universities in the USA that sometimes treat the students as non entities. Professors actually show compassion and personal interest in their students. You won't see security guard harassing Indian students, or giving them tickets for violations, or fines for minor infractions. It does not happen, because students in India respond with the compassion and respect given them, with respect and appreciation for the opportunity to learn. I asked a group of students at I2IT "Why don't I hear music and parties on the campus at night?" They said: "We study at night. But, we do have a party once a month." They stand up when the professor enters the room. They don't leave a room until the professor has left, out of respect. They are grateful for the opportunity to learn and they express that gratitude in dozens of ways. From the dignified and neat way that they dress, to the respectful way they address their elders. Look at these students. All in blazers and ties, that they wear out of respect for "honored guests". India's Universities are a refreshing place, and inspire one to think that these young men and women will trully be leaders that we will be proud of.
INDIAN MERCHANT'S CHAMBER HOSTS INTERNATIONAL I.T. AND COMMUNICATIONS SYMPOSIUM
P.N. Mongree of the IMC is hosting the "Communications convergence" symposium. It is the name of the 3rd annual meeting in Mumbai of telecommunications and I.T. industry leaders from throughout the world. It was my pleasure to speak at the program in 2004, and to be asked to speak and participate in the program this February of 2005. My subject: IT and Communications trends around the globe. Many of these industry leaders have become friends, and their progressive thinking is changing the world. It is obvious, that India and Asia are ahead of the USA in many software and innovative measures. There is an excitement in the air. And great men like Nanik Rupani, and P.N. Mongre, who lead the Indian Merchants Chamber, are at the forefront of change and progress for technical and communications growth in India. I cannot fully recount all of the "miracles of technology" that I witnessed at this meeting. If a person can't make a fortune in the communications and I.T. fields in this dynamic age, something is wrong with him. Because there are opportunities, applications, technologies by the dozens, waiting for smart people to pursue. I can only report, that I was there, the people were marvelous and the winds of progress are growing in India for the benefit of the world.
INDIA'S POOR VS PROGRESS IN TECHNOLOGY
India has long had the image of a nation of poor people, begging on the streets. It still has that, but even the poorest of the poor will ultimately benefit from the economic and technological progress being led by people such as PP Chhabria, Nanik Rupani, Shantilai Somaiya, and Raktim Bose. Then when legends of technology such as Irwin Jacobs, Chairman of Qualcomm come to India to invest and create jobs, we see hope, even for the poor. But let us never forget, that economics, progress, industry, technology, is of no merit if we forget the needs of humanity. This photo is of a poor beggar and her child near Churchgate Station in Mumbai. For 10 Rupies, less than 12 cents, she smiled and allowed me to take this photo of the child she is trying to raise on the streets. I always think: "But for the grace of God, I could be on this sidewalk". As we count our blessings let us not forget the 200,000,000 people of India who live on less than $1 per day. I learned something while riding in the car with Shantilai Somaiya one day. Even though he is rich and even though he has lived with poverty and beggars all of his life, he still gives when the people on the streets approach his car. A lesson we should all recount and think of.
SOMALIA TRUST A GIANT OF INDUSTRY IN INDIA
Shantilai Somaiya is the Chairman of Somaiya Trust. This is the largest sugar conglomerate in India, but also has publishing houses, apartments, hospitals, and dozens of businesses. Shantilai Somaiya's favorite concern is his University in Mumbai. He paid for it without government or public aid, and educates thousands of students every year. "My chief goal is not just to educate youth, but to teach them the understanding and tolerance of differing religions from around the world." So although he is Hindu, his University brings in Christian, Islamic, Buddhist and other faiths, in a direct effort to show students that religions shouldn't judge each other, shouldn't war on each other, but should recognize that we are all seeking the same mountain of spiritual growth and enlightenment. Shantilai Somaiya believes that this is the best hope in the world for peace. I've enjoyed having meals and deep personal time with him and his family in his home several times now. They are like my second family in Mumbai. These are great people doing great things. His daughter, Harina, pictured here is following in her dad's footsteps. She is a brilliant creative artist, and has produced a multi year series of beautiful calendars, each with an inspirational message, based on the ancient Vedas.
Another exeptional man is Raktim Bose, with TATA. Tata is the industrial equal to "GM" in India, making trucks, autos and with dozens of corporations throughout India. Raktim Bose is a fascinating man, educated, constantly learning, and in charge of the Global Alliance Partnership of TATA. The beauty of Raktim Bose is that he cares for people. He is concerned about birth rates in India, concerned about the plight of the poor, concerned about wars and foreign policies that use an excuse like the new stress on "terrorism" for politicians to make political gain, or to war on nations. Raktim represents a new kind of business leader in India. Intellectual, world wise, informed, but still with a social conscience.
What a remarkable land India is to produce such quality people, with heart, spirit, ethically centered, and willing to "do for others".