Vint Cerf, widely hailed as the ‘Father of the Internet’ for co-developing TCP/IP, recently graced the PanIIT 2024 Global Conference, leaving an indelible mark on the event. Abhay Karandikar, expressing delight in meeting Cerf, highlighted the luminary’s fond recollection of his association with India during the ERNET days.
At the IIT 2024 Global Conference in Washington DC, I had the honor of delivering a keynote talk, discussing transformative government initiatives. Among these, the Anusandhaan National Research Foundation, National Quantum Mission, and the Geospatial data policy were spotlighted, showcasing India’s commitment to cutting-edge advancements.
During the plenary session, which drew over 2000 participants, the focus was on innovation. I delved into the Department of Science and Technology’s support to incubators and the innovation ecosystem, outlining a vision for India to lead the global stage in science and technology by 2047—an era termed Amrit Kaal, envisioning a fully developed India.
Vint Cerf’s presence and insights, combined with discussions on India’s technological advancements, made the PanIIT 2024 Global Conference a powerful convergence of minds. It reinforced the collective commitment to fostering innovation and steering India towards a future where it stands at the forefront of global technological leadership.