IITians plan a tech conclave in Gujarat

In a bid to give a fillip to technological development in the state, the Government of Gujarat along with 400 strong Pan-IIT Gujarat Alumni Association will be organising 'IIT Conclave: Technology and Development in Gujarat' on January 11, 2011 as a part of the Vibrant Gujarat Global Investors' Summit (VGGIS) 2011.

The conclave will present and discuss various relevant issues such as addressing educational challenges for innovation and looking at alternate approaches to development in order to secure economic leadership in the 21st century.

A few initiatives of Pan-IIT and Gujarat would also be slated for discussion and announcement.

"There are over 400 IIT alumni working in Gujarat currently. They are contributing to government, management of public sector undertakings, education and academia, research institutions, private companies and in social development services.

The alumni is spread across the major cities of Ahmedabad, Surat, Baroda, Gandhinagar, Ankleshwar and Rajkot. The government's commitment to keep pace with global trends and make the shift to an innovation-driven society for the 21st century is welcomed.

The IIT alumni is looking forward to partner with the government to help course an appropriate agenda for development in Gujarat in this regard," said Sunil Parekh, an IIT Delhi Alumnus and founder - chairman of the Pan-IIT Gujarat Alumni Association.

Apart from international participation, the conclave will bring together thought leaders and industrialists including IIT Bombay alumnus and former Chief Minister of Goa Manohar Parrikar, and Chief Minister of Gujarat Narendra Modi for discussions.

According to Maheshwar Sahu, principal secretary, Industries and Mines Department, Government of Gujarat, said "The Government is committed to organising knowledge-sharing events as part of the fifth edition of Vibrant Gujarat Summit.

The IIT Conclave is one such important initiative which will bring together IIT alumni not only from the state but also from other parts of India and from abroad to discuss technological developments in Gujarat and how to harness all the intellectual capital for the benefit of the whole of society here."

A biennial global summit held by the Government of Gujarat, VGGIS is aimed at bringing together business leaders, investors, corporations, thought leaders, policy and opinion makers; the summit serves as a perfect platform to understand and explore business opportunities in Gujarat.

This year, Vibrant Gujarat 2.11 will be held on January 12 and 13 and aims to facilitate investment alliances for participating countries and will be the premier platform in India to identify and leverage business opportunities in this key global market.