In support of future Champions of Change

Recently, I travelled back in time. I was a student once again, learning from other students— exchanging ideas on technology and innovation and discussing the exciting possibilities that the future holds.

The occasion was the announcement of the 30 winners of the Panasonic Ratti Chhatr Scholarship Program. Being amidst bright, young minds full of enthusiasm and promise brought back some wonderful memories from my student life—I revisited the highs and lows, the failures and successes and all the learnings that helped me shape the person I am today. Spending time with the scholars gave me a glimpse of how they envision the future and the fact that Panasonic’s scholarship program would help them get closer to their dreams filled me with immense pride.

Every year, the Ratti Chhatr Program identifies undergraduate students across India and provides financial aid to them. Now in its third edition, the program enables these talented students to pursue higher education at one of the most prestigious learning institutions of the country – the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT).

Over the years, the IITs have shaped some of the most astute minds in India – as is evident by their alumni roll– Raghuram Rajan, Sundar Pichai, NRN Murthy, Nandan Nilekani… the list goes on. The IITs have played an instrumental role in process of nation-building by creating the right business environment, encouraging a healthy start-up culture and aligning its R&D focus with the national goal of achieving technological self-reliance.

My interaction with the students made me realize that the future of technology and innovation in India is in good hands. In the students I saw future leaders, innovators, entrepreneurs and change agents. I spotted future Champions of Change.

The students of today have the opportunity to shape the future of India. For that, they will need to continue to innovate and learn, long after they have graduated from their educational institutions. I believe in and practice 'Kaizen', the Japanese philosophy of continuous improvement. It is important for a person to evolve with time. My advice to all students would be to never stop acquiring knowledge – to stay keen, inquisitive and curious. I would also urge students to define success, set course and never lose confidence in their abilities. As Konosuke Matsushita, Founder of Panasonic, once said – and this is one of my favourite quotes: ‘Start a new day, every day’.

The year 2018 is a landmark for Panasonic as we celebrate our 100th anniversary. To mark the occasion, and in alignment with the government’s vision of New India 2022, we have decided to extend the Ratti Chhatr program to 2022. We share the government’s vision of India as a technology and innovation giant and are delighted to be playing a role in shaping minds who will be taking charge in the near future. For India to lead the way on the global stage tomorrow, we have to invest in the Champions of Change today.