Advisory - Building India's 'Knowledge Society'

OTTAWA , Sept. 14 /CNW Telbec/ - Widely credited with ushering in India's telecommunications revolution, Dr. Sam Pitroda will be in Ottawa on September 16 as part of the India Lectures organized by Canada's International Development Research Centre (IDRC). In his talk on "Prospects for Higher Education in India ," Dr. Pitroda will discuss challenges faced by the Indian higher education sector, an issue that has come to be viewed in India as a threat to the country's economic success.

    
    Date: Wednesday, September 16, 2009
    Time: 2:00 - 3:30 p.m.
    Where: 150 Kent (corner of Albert), 8th Floor
    

An internationally respected inventor, entrepreneur, and policymaker, Dr. Pitroda has spent four decades in the telecommunications world working to bridge the global digital divide. As Chairman of India's National Knowledge Commission, he advises the Prime Minister of the Republic of India on policy related to education, research institutes, and reforms needed to make India competitive in the knowledge economy. Dr. Pitroda was recently named head of India's National Information Highway Authority, a body that coordinates and increases such electronic government activities as e-learning and e-health.

Dr. Pitroda 's talk is the fourteenth in a year-long series organized by IDRC. The India Lectures highlights the wealth of eminent thinkers and stimulating ideas emanating from this rising global power. The series is being held to celebrate IDRC's 25th anniversary of its office in New Delhi and the Centre's enduring and valued collaboration with its Indian research partners.

The event is open to the media. French and English simultaneous interpretation is available. Spaces are limited and journalists are encouraged to register by calling Isabelle Bourgeault-Tassé at 613-696-2343.

For more information, visit www.idrc.ca/indialectures.

About IDRC

Canada's International Development Research Centre (IDRC) is one of the world's leading institutions in the generation and application of new knowledge to meet the challenges of international development. For nearly 40 years, IDRC has worked in close collaboration with researchers from the developing world to build healthier, more equitable, and more prosperous societies.

For further information: Isabelle Bourgeault-Tassé, [phone], [email protected]