The PanIIT Alumni Foundation was officially launched in New York on September 28, 2024. India’s External Affairs Minister, S. Jaishankar, who was in New York attending the 79th United Nations General Assembly sessions, was the chief guest at the event.
In his remarks at the event, Jaishankar acknowledged and praised the contributions of the Indian diaspora, emphasizing their role in shaping and advancing the vision of a developed India, also known as “Viksit Bharat.” He stressed how the global Indian community, especially those with ties to India’s educational and technological sectors, are instrumental in the nation’s ongoing efforts to enhance its technological capabilities and manufacturing ecosystems.
Following the event, Jaishankar shared his thoughts on social media, posting on X (formerly Twitter). “Pleased to participate in the launch of PanIIT Alumni Foundation in New York. A good chat with Dr. Purnendu Chatterjee on developing a technology and manufacturing ecosystem in India,” Jaishankar wrote in his post, which highlighted the significance of the gathering. In a separate post, he further added, “Appreciate the efforts and contributions of our diaspora in developing a Viksit Bharat.”
The PanIIT Alumni Foundation is a significant initiative, aiming to harness the potential of India’s growing workforce and population to drive large-scale social and economic development. According to the organization’s official website, the foundation has set ambitious goals, including partnering with national and state government agencies to create large public systems designed to enhance human capital development. Additionally, the foundation aims to foster mass entrepreneurship incubation, setting the stage for a broad-based economic transformation across various sectors in India.
A critical aspect of the foundation’s mission is its focus on creating state-level showcases that can attract cross-border investment. By working closely with both the Indian government and international investors, the foundation hopes to position India as a key player in global technology and manufacturing. Through these efforts, the foundation seeks to create an ecosystem that will not only spur economic growth but also leverage India’s demographic advantage to create a lasting impact on the global stage.
The event served as a platform for networking and collaboration, with various stakeholders from the Indian diaspora, business community, and government sectors coming together to discuss ways to accelerate India’s technological and industrial growth. Dr. Purnendu Chatterjee, an influential figure in the Indian-American community and a driving force behind the foundation, engaged in discussions with Minister Jaishankar on the role of technology and manufacturing in India’s future development. The conversation underscored the need for strategic partnerships between the Indian government, global investors, and the Indian diaspora to ensure that India remains competitive in the global marketplace.
By establishing the PanIIT Alumni Foundation, the organizers are looking to build a long-term framework for sustainable development in India. The foundation’s focus on human capital development is a reflection of the broader efforts to invest in education, skills training, and entrepreneurship, which are key drivers of economic growth. With India’s young and rapidly growing population, the need for creating large-scale employment opportunities and fostering innovation is more pressing than ever. The foundation’s initiatives are aimed at addressing these challenges by creating systems that can support large numbers of entrepreneurs, technologists, and skilled workers.
The launch of the foundation comes at a time when India is positioning itself as a global hub for technology and innovation. With initiatives such as “Make in India” and “Digital India,” the government has been actively promoting the country as a destination for investment in high-tech industries, manufacturing, and digital infrastructure. The PanIIT Alumni Foundation aims to complement these government efforts by creating an environment where Indian entrepreneurs and professionals, both in India and abroad, can collaborate to build new enterprises and drive economic growth.
In addition to its focus on technology and entrepreneurship, the foundation also aims to address social issues such as education and healthcare. By working closely with government agencies and leveraging the expertise of the IIT alumni network, the foundation hopes to create scalable solutions to some of India’s most pressing challenges. The involvement of the Indian diaspora is seen as a key element in this effort, with many members of the community having extensive experience in sectors such as technology, finance, and healthcare.
The event in New York also highlighted the growing role of the Indian diaspora in shaping the future of India’s development. As India continues to grow and evolve on the global stage, the contributions of its diaspora are becoming increasingly important. Many members of the Indian diaspora have achieved significant success in their respective fields and are now looking to give back to their homeland by contributing to its economic and social development. The PanIIT Alumni Foundation provides a platform for these individuals to engage with the Indian government and other stakeholders to create meaningful change.
The foundation’s launch was met with enthusiasm from both the Indian and international communities, with many seeing it as a significant step forward in India’s efforts to become a global leader in technology and manufacturing. By focusing on human capital development and entrepreneurship, the foundation is aligning itself with India’s broader economic goals, which include creating millions of new jobs, fostering innovation, and attracting foreign investment.
In conclusion, the PanIIT Alumni Foundation is a bold initiative that seeks to harness the collective strength of India’s diaspora, government, and private sector to drive economic and social progress. With the support of prominent figures such as External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and the active involvement of the IIT alumni network, the foundation is poised to make a significant impact on India’s development in the years to come. As the country continues to grow and evolve, the contributions of its diaspora will play an increasingly important role in shaping its future, and initiatives like the PanIIT Alumni Foundation are at the forefront of this effort.
Jaishankar’s participation in the event underscored the importance of international collaboration in achieving India’s development goals. By engaging with the Indian diaspora and fostering partnerships with global investors, the foundation aims to create a sustainable framework for growth that will benefit India for generations to come.