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S. Mahalingam

L.N. Revathy

The Indian IT industry — both domestic and software exports — is carving its next phase of growth. With renewed value proposition, the industry can expect to clock a double-digit growth, going forward. This optimism is further fuelled by increased Government spend on IT. Among the key challenges the sector faces at present is talent suitability at the entry level. Studies reveal that only one amongst every four engineering graduates is currently employable. There is deficiency in the required technical skills, oral/written communication, and ability to work as a team.

This, coupled with the need for continuous professional development to meet the dynamic skill needs of the industry, is a bigger challenge. And this is true for all emerging disciplines. Take IEEE, for instance. There is an electronic revolution happening in this space. And the structures in which the development takes place can be at government level (necessitating the need for policy formulation); within the industry; implementation at the user level; and so on and there are bound to be issues at each of these levels. Voice of professionals is extremely critical, argues the Chief Finance Officer and Executive Director of Tata Consultancy Services, S. Mahalingam.

As President of CSI (Computer Society of India) Mahalingam vows to make this organisation of IT professionals more involved and active. “The aim of CSI is to ensure individual professional excellence in technology and drive awareness initiatives, learning, development and research,” he reiterates.

In mid-February, the Minister of State for IT and Communications, Sachin Pilot, unveiled the CSI roadmap to create a knowledge ecosystem to enhance ‘Professional Development for Indian IT professionals' and launched the CSI Knowledge Management Portal as well. “The IT sector is at present driving our economic growth. It is, therefore, imperative to raise professional standards to meet this growth and the roadmap will be a key driver of individual excellence and talent development,” avers Mahalingam.

Excerpts from an interview:

How is CSI different from other IT industry associations?

The CSI is the largest body of IT professionals, students and academicians, while MAIT or Nasscom are industry bodies driving the cause of business.

Why do we need such an association?

Technology is impacting the common man like never before. Online railway reservation, online news, handheld devices in post offices, use of biometric technology for unique identification for payments under the NREGS programme – Technology penetration is phenomenal. It is creating waves even at the village level. CSI looks at creating an ecosystem with industry leaders, technology students, IT professionals and academicians to ensure the beneficial use of IT to a larger community.

How does CSI membership benefit an IT professional?

IT professionals are involved in domestic and international projects. With increased penetration of IT and Communication technologies, the impact of ICT in the life of every citizen will be greater. Language computing, affordability and E-governance are some areas IT professionals work on. And here we need IT capabilities beyond software services. CSI will help develop skills and capabilities to meet the IT needs of tomorrow.

How is CSI rejuvenating itself?

The body has played a key role in shaping the IT industry during its formative years. Currently CSI focuses on enhancing professional excellence in IT and the development of the Indian IT industry. We want to be the key catalyst of individual excellence in IT and the development of technology to drive far reaching impact on the society.

Some key initiatives in the pipeline include: Creation of a Knowledge Management System to upgrade the capabilities and competencies of members. We are planning to launch a Digital Library to digitise and improve access to information; focus on new initiatives in the areas of Social Networking, Cloud Computing and Green IT, among others; Expand international activities. We have associations with South-East Asian Regional Computer Confederation (SEARCC) as well as the International Federation of Information Processor (IFIP) to encourage and promote talent and scientific development.

Our endeavour is also to inspire and nurture new entrants into the industry and help them integrate into the IT community.

Can you tell us something more about the knowledge Portal?

It will be a repository of intellectual capital for IT professionals. We can create a community, a forum or have a blog within this portal; hold conferences and exchange information on technical and management issues. Members should leverage this opportunity to pursue individual growth.

lnr@thehindu.co.in

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