Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Coimbatore, played host to the inauguration of the C20 Summit on Technology and Security for One World. The two-day event, organized by the official Engagement Group of C20 on Technology, Security & Transparency, witnessed the presence of esteemed guests from India and abroad. The ceremony was graced by the Governor of Tamil Nadu, RN Ravi, who emphasized the importance of unity and India’s technological advancements in his address.
Prominent figures present at the event included Lt. General Rajesh Pant, National Cyber Security Coordinator, PMO, India; Swami Amritaswarupananda Puri, Vice Chairman of Mata Amritanandamayi Math and Troika Member C20; Vijay Nambiar, Sherpa C20 and Former UN Secretary Generals Special Advisor; Bharati Ghosh, National Spokesperson of BJP & Member of National Executive Committee of BJP; Venkat Rangan, Vice Chancellor of Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham and Krishnashree Achuthan, National Coordinator of C20 Summit on Technology, Security & Transparency and Dean of Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham.
During his speech, Governor Shri RN Ravi highlighted India’s unique position as the host of the G20 Presidency and the country’s potential to offer policy recommendations rooted in its ancient wisdom of oneness. He underscored the transformative power of technology in India, exemplified by initiatives such as Jan Dhan Yojana, Digital India, the JAM trinity, and the UPI, which have positively impacted millions of lives and enabled effective pandemic response measures.
Governor Shri RN Ravi also emphasized the importance of women’s empowerment, stating that India has made significant strides in overcoming gender imbalances through the use of technology and involving civil society in policy-making. He noted the exponential growth of startups in India and the transformative changes brought about by harnessing the talent of the people through technology.
Renowned spiritual leader and humanitarian Mata Amritanandamayi (Amma), Chair of C20 India, addressed the gathering through a video message. Amma expressed concerns about the negative aspects of technology, such as the misuse of the internet and the decline in moral values. She urged the need for extensive research on the potential negative repercussions of new inventions or discoveries and stressed the importance of reconnecting with spirituality and human values.
Swami Amritaswarupananda Puri, Vice Chairman of Mata Amritanandamayi Math and Troika Member C20, highlighted the benefits and risks associated with science and technology. He discussed the challenges posed by the digital age, where face-to-face interactions are replaced by virtual communication and emotions are condensed into symbols. He cautioned against the dangers of generative AI and emphasized the distinct niches of technology and spirituality in influencing human development.
The inaugural event also witnessed the presence of esteemed individuals from various countries, including Vilas Dhar, President & Trustee of Patrick J. McGovern Foundation; Micha Weis, Strategic financial cyber-leader and advisor for the Israeli Ministry of Finance; Marcele Frossard, Policy advisor for the National Campaign for the Right to Education, Brazil; Matthew Chetty, Impact Area Manager, e-Government, at Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), South Africa; and Alison Richards, International Advisory Council and Director Intel Corporation. Virtual participation was extended to Sonya Kilkenny, Member of Parliament, Victorian Government, Australia and Ah Mafuthan, Troika member C20, Indonesia.
The CSO (Civil Society Organization) delegates discussed policies on technology access, security, and transparency. The summit focuses on four key areas: Technology for Empowerment, AI and Data for Society, Transparency & Disinformation, and Security & Resilience. CSO delegates aim to identify gaps and propose innovative solutions to be launched at the C20 Summit in July 2023. The C20 Summit serves as a platform for CSOs to voice people’s aspirations to G20 leaders.