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e i g h t
G
uess which famous IT major is gracing
Indian shores next week? It is none other than e-networking guru, John Chambers,
CEO of Cisco, who is expected to land at the fog-hit Indira Gandhi Airport. He
will join the list of a dozen other distinguished IT heads who have visited India in
the recent past.
You know a particular industry has arrived when the VIPs begin their goodwill
visits. The Indian IT industry is certainly occupying a privileged status today and
it shows. In the past year we have witnessed the arrival of countless global
dignitaries, all of whom have come, seen, expressed their amazement and conquered.
Thanks to these visitations, India is suddenly on the world software map, not to
mention on world news networks.
The media in fact is going crazy trailing after these international IT gurus and
keeping a track of their whereabouts. The trend of course was kicked off by US
President Mr. Bill Clinton, who though not an IT person, certainly spoke like one.
Besides of course focusing on the political side of things, the US head honcho showed
a lot of interest in the goings-on in India’s IT industry. The country’s dealings
with the US in fact have been based to a significant extent on the relationship the
Indian software industry shares with the most competitive of all world markets.
Mr. Clinton in fact, a self-confessed admirer of the Indian IT skill sets, spent a
large part of his stay in India (not just savoring the delights of the
Bhukhara
restaurant
at the Maurya Sheraton where he was staying) but also meeting with the IT industry
and visiting Hyderabad. During the last few months in office, the US President has
become one of the key champions of IT industry.
When one Bill comes, can the other Bill be far behind? Mr. Bill Clinton’s tour to
India was followed by the visit of yet another Bill. Mr. Bill Gates. The Richest Man—a
promised journey that came in the midst of a personal vacation had the entire country
agog and excited.
The Asian Age January 10, 2001
Information Technology VIPs
come to India!
