SAM PITRODA

SAM PITRODA

Gist :

Sam Pitroda wanted IT to throw all that and create a new India. IT is not about software exports or internet access, but a whole new way of doing things. Back in 1980s, making a phone call was a difficult thing and telephone was the property of only the rich and elite sections of society. In today’s India we are connected to the world, a common man carries a cell phone of his own. If there is one man who build the foundation of this revolution in communication system, it is Sam Pitroda.

Pitroda did his Masters in Physics and Electronics from Baroda. He first used a telephone while he was studying Electrical Engineering at United States of America. He started a telephone exchange company called Wescom Switching in 1974. He thought to set up cheap rural exchanges in India.

In 1984 Pitroda was made Chief Scientific Advisor to start a new public-sector venture called Centre for the Development of Telematics (C-Dot) in India. He successfully created and launched the Rural Automatic Telephone Exchanges (RAX). As a result, about 40,000 exchanges totalling about 20 million telephone lines were installed in India. Tremendous changes have taken place in the fields of administration, business, education, information, media etc.

Sam Pitroda became the Chairman of National Technology Mission. He was the first Chairman of India’s Telecom Commission. He brought the telephone to some of the world’s most isolated regions. Pitroda tenacity helped create the concept and technology behind the network of ‘STD/PCO’ phone booths. The fibre optic mechanism worked out by Pitroda made high-speed connectivity possible in telecommunications.

Pitroda believed that it is possible to realise Mahatma Gahdhi’s dream of self-sufficient village community through IT applications by connecting every village in India with every other part of the country and the world. According to Pitroda, the Internet will be a key tool in shaping many of these changes in the country. Sam Pitroda is currently working on a ‘electronic wallet’, which would have all kinds of cards - credit card, debit card, health card, insurance card, even the driving license. This would pave the way for electronic payment systems, which would take over the existing systems of payments.

COMPREHENSION QUESTIONS WITH ANSWERS

1. Where and what kind of a family was Sam Pitroda born in ?

Sam Pitroda was born in Titlagarh, Orrissa on 4^th May 1942 in a large family of seven brothers and sisters.

2. What did Pitroda study in Baroda ?

Pitroda did Masters in Physics and Electronics from Baroda.

3. Where did he start his career in digital technology ?

Pitroda started his carrer on digital technology at GTE Inc., Chicago, USA

4. What did he do in 1974 ?

Sam Pitroda started a telephone exchange company called Wescom Switching in 1974.

5. When did Pitroda think of setting up cheap rural exchanges ?

Pitroda thought of setting up cheap rural exchanges when he first used a telephone and the fascination of first call.

6. In what capacity did he approach the bank in Jeddah ?

In 1984 Sam Pitroda visited Saudi American Bank (Citi Bank) in Jeddah and introduced himself as venture capitalist.

7. How did Rajiv Gandhi provide Pitroda the right opportunity ?

Prime Minister Mr. Rajiv Gandhi made Pitroda his Chief Scientific Advisor and requested him to start a new public-sector venture called Centre for the Development of Telematics (C-Dot).

8. What were the Rural Automatic Exchanges equipped with ?

The Rural Automatic Exchanges (RAX) were equipped with SS7 Intelligent Networking Signalling Systems-the systems which are used to find out if a number is busy or availale and to check up the database of telephone numbers.

9. How according to Pitroda can IT impact the nation ?

According to Pitroda IT solutions can help to tackle problems in core areas of governance, commerce, finance, education, health, agriculture, environment, legal issues and employment.

10. What was his idea of an electronic wallet ?

An electronic wallet, which would have all kinds of cards - credit card, debit card, health card, insurance card, even the driving license. This would pave the way for electronic payment systems, which would take over the existing systems of payments.

Bits :

1. Sam Pitroda was born in Titlagarh, Orissa on 4^th May 1942
2. Pitroda did his Masters in Physics and Electronics from Baroda
3. Pitroda – “father of the Indian telcom revolution”
4. Pitroda first used a telephone at United States of America
5. Sam Pitroda studied Electrical Engineering in United States of America
6. Pitroda’s dream was setting up small, rural exchanges and connect in India
7. Pitroda started his career in digital switching technology at GTE Inc., Chicago USA
8. In 1974 Pitroda stated a telephone exchange company called Wescom Switching
9. Wescom Switching was sold to Rockwell for 10 million dollars
10. Sam Pitroda visited Saudi American Bank (Citi Bank) in Jeddah in 1984
11. Pitroda was made as Chief Scientific Advisor to Rajiv Gandhi
12. Rajiv requested Pitroda to start Centre for Development of Telematics (C-Dot)
13. C-Dot exported the telephonic equipment to Vietnam, Bangladesh, Nepal, Ethiopia, Ghana and Uganda
14. Pitroda crated and launched the Rural Automatic Telephone exchanges (RAX)
15. RAX were equipped with SS7 Intelligent Networking Signalling Systems
16. Sam Pitroda became the Chairman of National Technology Mission
17. Pitroda became the first Chairman of India’s Telecom Commission
18. Pitroda determined to create the network of STD/PCO phone booths
19. Centre for Development of Telematics (C-Dot) founded in 1984
20. According to Pitroda the Internet will be a key took in shaping many in the country
21. ICC stands for Internet Community Centres
22. World Tel was founded by Pitroda in 1995
23. Sam Pitroda received India’s National Citizen’s Award
24. In 1993 Pitroda awarded the IIT Alumni Medal
25. in 1995 Pitroda received the International Distinguished Leadership Award
26. Dataquest has presented Pitroda the IT Life Achievement Award for 2002
27. Sam Pitroda currently working on electronic wallet.