Managing India’s Data Surge: Strategies for the Future

In a dynamic session at the Dataquest Leadership Conclave, in the fireside chat titled: “How can India handle the oncoming data explosion?”, Srikant Sastri, Chairperson of the Geospatial Data Promotion & Development Committee, and Kamal Nath, CEO of Sify Technologies, engaged in a thought-provoking conversation with Minu Sirsalewala, Executive Editor at Dataquest, to explore strategies for navigating India’s data landscape.

With the impending surge of data, India faces a critical challenge in effectively managing and leveraging this influx of information. In light of this, experts have convened to explore innovative strategies for navigating India’s evolving data landscape.

Understanding the Data Landscape

Kamal Nath initiated the discussion by emphasizing the multifaceted nature of data generation, highlighting its ubiquity across various sectors and its pivotal role in driving digitalization. The conversation delved into the diverse sources of data, ranging from enterprises to government repositories, setting the stage for a comprehensive understanding of India’s data ecosystem.

Harnessing Data Intelligence

Sastri underscored the importance of harnessing data intelligence to drive innovation and enhance services. Drawing parallels with industry giants like Facebook, he emphasized the value of leveraging data to refine offerings and improve user experiences. The discussion shed light on the transformative potential of data-driven insights in shaping business strategies and fostering growth.

Srikant Sastri, Chairperson of the Geospatial Data Promotion & Development Committee, emphasized the transformative impact of geolocation services in areas like insurance and agriculture, paving the way for informed decision-making and improved efficiency.

Managing Unstructured Data

The conversation then shifted towards the management of unstructured data, with Nath highlighting the evolving landscape of data centers and the imperative of data security and privacy. He stressed the significance of technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI) to effectively manage unstructured data and unlock its potential for societal and business benefits.

Facilitating Data Accessibility

Sastri shared insights into efforts underway to streamline data accessibility and usage through initiatives like the Geospatial Data Promotion & Development Committee. He emphasized the transformative impact of geolocation services in areas like insurance and agriculture, paving the way for informed decision-making and improved efficiency.

Ensuring Data Security

On the topic of data security, Nath underscored the paramount importance of safeguarding data integrity and privacy in an era of rampant digitization. He highlighted the need for robust security measures, especially in sectors like IoT, to mitigate risks associated with data breaches and deepfakes.

Infrastructure Evolution

Reflecting on India’s data infrastructure evolution, Nath shared insights into the growth trajectory of data centers and the rising demand for distributed data management solutions. He emphasized the role of renewable energy in powering data infrastructure and the acceleration of edge computing adoption.

The session provided invaluable insights into navigating India’s data landscape, emphasizing the need for collaborative efforts and innovative solutions to effectively harness the power of data for societal and economic progress. With a strategic approach to data management and security, India is poised to leverage its data potential for driving innovation and fostering inclusive growth.

aanchalg@cybermedia.co.in