Seethakka encourages IT companies to focus on education needs in Tribal and Rural areas via CSR 

Hyderabad, October 18, 2024: HYSEA (Hyderabad Software Enterprises Association) hosted the Education Conclave 2024 today at Infosys Ltd., Gachibowli, with the theme “Leveraging Technology to Democratize Education” in collaboration with NIRMAAN organisation. The conclave brought together leaders from the IT/ITES industry, government officials, and experts from the education sector to discuss innovative solutions to make education more accessible, inclusive, and technology driven.

Welcoming the participants Prashanth Nandella, President, HYSEA talked about how HYSEA is focused on skilling, employability through its flagship program Disruptive Digital Intervention (DDI). DDI was initiated with a vision to promote inclusive education by enhancing infrastructure and curricula within the government education system. HYSEA intends to extend impact of this program to 330 schools across all 33 districts of Telangana, with 10 schools in each district. DDI aims to equip students from marginalized communities with the tools and opportunities necessary for a brighter, more equitable future, he said.

Mayur Patnala, Founder & CEO, joined HYSEA President in welcoming the participants. 

Dr. D. Anasuya Seethakka, Hon’ble Minister for Panchayati Raj & Rural Development, Rural Water Supply, and Women & Child Welfare, Government of Telangana, was the Chief Guest. 

Dr. Seethakka underscored the stark educational disparity in India, noting that rural areas often lack access to the latest advancements in education. She emphasized the shared responsibility of the government, corporates, and NGOs to bridge this gap. Urging corporations and NGOs to prioritize the development of education in tribal and rural regions, she called for meaningful investments to ensure equitable access to quality education. In her address she also appealed to corporates to adopt tribal and rural villages, aiming to provide them with quality digital education. 

Akunuri Murali, IAS Retd, Chairman, Education Commission, Govt of Telangana addressed the gathering and shared his thoughts on how to prepare students for the future — focusing on skill development, employability, and fostering an entrepreneurial mindset. 

The conclave began with an insightful panel discussion titled “How do we take education to rural areas?” moderated by Raghu Boddupally, VP and DC Head, Infosys Hyderabad. The distinguished panel included: Divakara T S, IAS, Collector & District Magistrate, Mulugu, Harish Kumar Sirapu, AVP, State Street and Rajender Aekka, Secretary, Ekal Gramothan Foundation.

The discussion delved into strategies and initiatives aimed at enhancing education accessibility in rural areas, particularly focusing on leveraging technology to overcome infrastructure and resource challenges.

The second panel discussion on the Role of Technology in Democratizing Education, moderated by Samir Jain, Partner Group Software Engineering Manager, Microsoft. Panellists included: Alugu Varshini V S, Secretary, TSWREIS, Aekka Chandrashekar, Trustee, Rastriya Seva Bharath, Supriya Saripalli, Chief of Staff, ServiceNow IDC, and Mayur P, Founder & CEO, Nirmaan.

The panel explored how technology can serve as a catalyst to democratize education, with insights into challenges, opportunities, and the role of private-public partnerships in driving impactful educational reforms.

On this occasion 18 Corporates were honored for contribution to Digital Education in underprivileged govt schools through the DDI Program (Disruptive Digital Intervention). 

Started as part of HYSEA’s 25th-anniversary celebrations, the DDI project has successfully set up 40 Digital Labs in government schools across Telangana impacting 20000+ students directly and more than 1.6Lakh students indirectly.

The corporates who received the honor included: Chubb Business Services India Pvt. Ltd., Colruyt IT Consultancy India Pvt. Ltd., Demandbase, EPAM Systems India Pvt Ltd, HCL Technologies Ltd, Infosys Ltd, Micron Technology Operations India LLP, Microsoft India R&D Pvt Ltd, NTT Data Global Delivery Services Ltd, Nutanix Technologies India Pvt Ltd, Pepsico, ServiceNow India DC, State Street Corporate Services Mumbai Pvt Ltd, Synopsys (India) Pvt Ltd, Valuemomentum Software Services Pvt Ltd and WellsFargo. 

Thirumala Arohi, EVP, Global Head- ETA and Service Offering Head Infosys delivered a keynote on ‘Tech in education’ and spoke on the challenges we could overcome using technology to democratise education.  

Shrikant Sinha, CEO, TASK delivered the closing keynote on ‘Future proofing education Making students ready for Industry’. 

The event concluded with a commitment from industry leaders and government representatives to continue working together to foster technology-driven educational initiatives, ensuring the democratization of education across Telangana.