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a minute – communicating how technology would touch the common man and
knowledge of English would not be a barrier.
3.
Focus issues with logic, data, energy and vision
As an industry association, NASSCOM deals with a cross section of issues and
opportunities. Dewang brought to NASSCOM the need to deal with each issue with data
and logic — his sharp analytic skills helped him compute numbers, back them with strong
logic and then use passion, energy and conviction to communicate the industry wish list.
It is this fact-based logic that has become the foundation for NASSCOM’s public
advocacy program, in India or globally. Show the numbers, get to the details, demonstrate
the impact and then build your point.
The Indian IT Industry is creating 3.6 indirect jobs — for every direct job created is
demonstration of the impact that the industry is creating across society and not only the
educated middle class.
In today’s time, when unemployment is high in the US and there is a protectionist
sentiment, we have just released some startling facts on how the Indian industry is
investing and creating jobs in the US.
4.
Relationships matter – build mentors and engage with people around you
Dewang was a phenomenal relationship person, building both personal and professional
relationships with people across all levels — politicians, industry colleagues, media, global
leaders — all of whom remember Dewang as a person with whom he had a personal
touch.
I am often asked, “Is it lonely at the top?” I strongly argue against that. It is lonely only if
you want it to be, otherwise your colleagues, friends and family provide you support, ideas
and the ability to navigate the good and the difficult times.
For all of you — while social media is the phenomenon to create friends and interact —
use this not only to post photographs or chat about the latest fashion and movies, but fpr
your personal goals or career choices and seek inputs. Your teachers, seniors at college and
parents are your mentors; invest time and seek their inputs.
5.
There is no substitute for hard work
Dewang worked 18 hours a day to realise his dream and build this industry. I personally,
having started my career with a Japanese company, am deeply influenced by their work
culture, processes and precision to every task.
There are no short cuts in life. Hard work is not necessarily measured by the number of
work hours, but our ability to give our 100% to our work and do it with a mindset of
learning and growth.
As I was debating what to speak here, a colleague and I argued whether the ethos of ‘not
desiring before you deserve’ is applicable for the youth today and while we agreed to
disagree, I would urge each of you to think of what values you would like to relate to. I
personally believe that the basic ethos of work is timeless and a gen Y outlook can be no
different.
India is at an important inflection point today; after two decades of growth, there is some
despondency over the question “Is the India story over?” I firmly believe that the best for
India is yet to come; the demographics of our country mean that we will have the youngest
working age population globally. What is needed for India is to harness the power of the
youth – create skills, leverage technology and build India-centric solutions that will have
a global marketplace. Education, healthcare, public services, banking delivered through
technology can now reach across the length and breadth of the country.The government,
both at central and state levels, is investing in the fiber backbone, building e-governmental
solutions. What we will now need is content and solutions — interesting apps that cross
