Shaping Transformation

It was 29 June 2016, I was in Puducherry to present to the local government, the Detailed Project Report and vision of the future Technology Centre. While some were apprehensive about this plan (as they had seen many projects not seeing light of the day after foundation stone ceremony) but many like me were absolute dreamers and believed that it can be pulled off.

Seed for this this transformative journey was sown in the budget of 2013, when Government of India announced that with the World Bank support, it will create 15 new Technology Centers and upgrade 18 existing Technology Centers to give access to the modern technology and trained human capital to the MSMEs in India. EY India team was selected as a Project Management Unit in November 2013.

On 12 Jan 2021, this Puducherry, Technology Center was formally inaugurated by the Prime Minister of India. This is the 5th New Technology Center and rest are following in due course. It has already started contributing in the manufacturing ecosystem in the region.

When I reflect and think about why this momentum sustained? Most important factor, I believe was the visionary and dedicated people in this journey.

On the government side, this list starts with mercurial and action oriented officer Shri Amrendra Sinha and his able team members Shri RK Pandey and Shri RK Rai. Later Shri Nikunj Kishore Sundaray, who played a decisive role during the implementation.

On the World Bank side, the initial team of Manju Haththotwa and Vincent. In the implementation phase it was Michael O Engman, who patiently managed the process.

From EY side, absolutely dedicated and sustained leadership by Amar Shankar with strong blessing from the senior EY India leadership team. The project leadership was superbly demonstrated by Shobhit Mathur. This project will always be ranked among the top successful demonstration of Building a Better Working World.

Has it been a smooth ride? No way!!! There were endless heated debates and difference of opinions, going back to drawing board, re-plan, re-group, re-visit but all knew that it was for making sure that this project sees the light of the day for the purpose it was conceptualized for.

It is often said that Rome was not built in a day, similarly this transformation project has taken 7 long years and this post is an acknowledgment to the dedication and sincerity of those countless players who contributed and moved ahead. As I was associated with project only till 2017 so I may not be able to link it to all the people who have contributed to make it successful, please do include them if missed by me.

Over to the next transformative project for India and for the world...