Technology, the Great Social Leveller, Ushering in Change

In this Indian Times article, Sam Pitroda argues that "in a society still riddled with centuries-old prejudices, stereotypes, caste system and rituals we need continuous intervention of a force that is non-political, non-judgmental, non-denominational and rational to empower people. To me technology is that force. Technology is a great social leveller. It brings access to modern tools and methods to increase productivity and efficiency at reduced costs. It is an entry point to bring about generational changes. It is by no means an end in itself. It is about designing more efficient tools for the country’s carpenters or hand water pumps that would draw more water for less effort or rural class rooms that use more modern teaching tools than blackboard and chalk or public toilets designed to cater to a large population or better brooms for municipal conservancy workers or water carriers that would not sit atop a rural woman’s head for miles. It is about better health service, improved education, affordable housing, transparent government, more jobs, etc. "

The article explains how, despite initial derision about the potential of technology for India, technology has become an instrument of transformational change bringing with it confidence, connectivity, major new companies and around $150 billion in foreign exchange reserves. The author attributes technology with the ability to empower people to upward mobility. For the author, "technology is problem solving at personal, community and national levels. It is about doing things differently. It is about change in mindset, processes, products and preferences. Technology is about opportunities and experiences."

The author proposes that while technology can create disruptions to labour and productivity in the short term, it can then lead to new opportunities and greater productivity in the long term. This however requires constant innovation and adjustmant. As India emerges as an information technology centre and its economy further develops it is time for another round of transformational change using technology. The platform which has the potential to unleash such transformational change relates to building new knowledge potential to respond to the needs of the 21st century. This requires reforming the Indian education system from top to bottom to improve quality, quantity, access and relevance substantially. It also requires a new focus on research and development institutions with emphasis on innovations and entrepreneurship to create and manufacture products and services for our people at affordable prices. The big challenge is to improve knowledge production, dissemination and applications for agriculture, health, industry and government.

The article concludes that with the forces of globalisation, privatisation, liberalisation and free market, it is important to recognise that age old processes and practices must be replaced with new knowledge and new understanding of the ever changing competitive nature of the global market. This knowledge can empower people at all levels, and make our people aware of their rights and responsibilities. It can also provide them tools and techniques to be productive and meaningful in the information age. To achieve this, the best brains in the country will have to focus urgently on solving problems of the poor and the underprivileged at the bottom of the pyramid.