New Delhi, 04 October, 2024: In a significant development aimed at leveraging cutting-edge technology for societal benefits, the Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur (IITK) and the Bhaskar Acharya National Institute for Space Applications and Geo-informatics (BISAG-N), under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in New Delhi. This partnership aims to foster collaboration in disseminating educational content and delivering critical alerts for disaster management and public safety using Direct-to-Mobile (D2M) technology. IIT Kanpur, a leading knowledge partner in the D2M project, will spearhead technological innovation in this area.
The MoU was signed by Prof. Manindra Agrawal, Director of IIT Kanpur, and Mr. TP Singh, Director General of BISAG-N, in the presence of esteemed dignitaries and industry leaders. Notable attendees included Mr. Parag Naik, EVP of Tejas Networks; Prof. Mohd Kasim, Member of the UGC Committee on Educational Media; and Mr. Prashant Maru, AVP of Tejas Networks.
This strategic partnership will pave the way for a comprehensive collaboration not only in the education and public safety sectors but also in exploring new technological innovations to enhance the utility of D2M technology for various public needs.
Prof. Manindra Agrawal, Director of IIT Kanpur, emphasized the transformative potential of D2M technology for India, stating, “In a diverse and geographically vast country like India, D2M technology can bridge the digital divide by providing equitable access to education. This innovation has the potential to reach every corner of the nation, bringing quality educational content directly to mobile devices.”
Mr. TP Singh, Director General of BISAG-N, expressed optimism about the collaboration, saying, “BISAG-N has always been at the forefront of adopting emerging technologies to further the cause of education and public welfare. D2M holds immense promise in revolutionizing the way educational content is disseminated and in ensuring the rapid delivery of vital information during emergencies. We assure that BISAG will extend full support to ensure its implementation as soon as possible.”
Mr. Parag Naik chronicled the synergy between Saankhya Labs which is now merged with Tejas Networks and IIT Kanpur for the development of D2M from its days of infancy. He elaborated on the current status of trials of D2M in Delhi and also on its device eco system. He emphasized that the deployment of D2M will greatly amplify UGC’s efforts in delivering high-quality educational content to students, educators, and the general public. “This technology can transform the landscape of digital education in India,” he noted.
The MoU marks a significant step forward in the application of next-gen communication technologies, reinforcing India’s commitment to enhancing public services through innovation on the lines of UPI. IIT Kanpur and BISAG-N’s partnership is expected to set a new benchmark in the delivery of education and public safety solutions through D2M technology.