Commemorating the contribution of a Great Visionary who pioneered the growth of the country's IT Industry, National Informatics Centre (NIC) organized the First Edition of Dr. N. Seshagiri Memorial Lecture at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi on 5th August 2019. Dr. Narayana Murthy, Founder, Infosys Limited and Shri Ajay Sawhney, Secretary, Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology, inaugurated the event, along with Dr. Neeta Verma, Director General, NIC and Dr. Savita Dawar, Deputy Director General, NIC, by lighting the ceremonial lamp.

The event was graced by the Guest of Honor, Shri Dhotre Sanjay Shamrao, Honorable Minister of State, Human Resource Development, Communications and Electronics & Information Technology. Various dignitaries from the Centre and State Governments as well as the family members of Dr. Seshagiri were also present on the occasion.

The Founder Director General of NIC and former Special Secretary to the Government of India, Dr. Seshagiri was the architect of the nationwide computer network (NICNET) and drafted the Software and Hardware policies that revolutionized Information Technology (IT) in the country. He was instrumental in setting up of the Software Technology Parks of India, which led to the emergence of Indian IT bellwether.

With his great personal appeal, he succeeded in putting in together a team of bright young engineers at NIC, the best that were available in India at that time and who later became leaders in the field. He helped in creation of an infrastructure and environment where young members became able to make their best contributions. This large nationwide organization has played a key role in the computerization of administration and operations of the government and utilities of the country. This also helped the process of national integration.

In his welcome address, Shri Ajay Sawhney spoke about the significant role played by Dr. Seshagiri in leading the adoption and promotion of technology in various parts of the government.   
 
Touching upon the contributions made by Dr. Seshagiri to the field of ICT, Dr. Narayana Murthy, in his lecture, outlined that he combined academic excellence, administrative acumen and sense of alacrity in decision-making. Having remained a contemporary of Dr. Seshagiri, Dr. Murthy highlighted that he served in various functions responsible for the acceleration of Electronics and Information Technology in the government, public sector and private sector.

Thereafter, a documentary showcasing the professional journey of Dr. Seshagiri and his involvement with NIC was screened.

Shri Dhotre Sanjay Shamrao also spoke on the occasion and underscored that Dr. Seshagiri’s innovative ideas and original thinking led to the induction of ICT in governance. “What we see as e-Governance today is the outcome of his leadership”, the Honorable Minister said.  
 
Symbolizing a token of appreciation, a memento was presented by Shri Dhotre Sanjay Shamrao to Dr. Murthy for delivering the lecture. Smt. Usha Seshagiri, wife of Dr. Seshagiri, was also honored by Dr. Neeta Verma.

Thereafter, a speech was delivered by Smt. Supriya, daughter of Dr. Seshagiri. Paying tribute to Dr. Seshagiri in her concluding remarks, Dr. Neeta Verma gave the Vote of Thanks.

For details, please visit the webcast at https://webcast.gov.in/dsml/