The Indian Institute of Management, Tiruchirappalli, has made its mark on the data sciences field with the inauguration of its Centre for Applied Research and Data Sciences (CARDS). The Centre was opened in the presence of various dignitaries from the Tamil Nadu Government and scholars from across the globe. The event was followed by an International Research Workshop on e-Government and Public Service Delivery — Challenges, Opportunities and Recommendations.
The Chief Guest was RB Udhayakumar, Minister for Revenue, Disaster Management and Information Technology. Other dignitaries were Vellamandi N. Natarajan, Minister for Tourism and S Valarmathi, Minister for Backward Classes and Minorities Welfare. The guest of honour was Dr. Santhosh Babu, IAS, Principal Secretary, Department of Information Technology, and the special guest was Santosh K Misra, IAS Commissioner, e-Governance. S. Sivarasu, IAS, District Collector of Trichy and M. Selvarasu, MLA Musiri, were present.
The event began with the lighting of the lamp. Dr Sujeet K. Sharma, Chairperson, Centre for Applied Research in Data Science (CARDS) and a faculty member of Management Information Systems Area, IIM Tiruchirappalli, welcomed the distinguished gathering and spoke on “Data is the New Oil”, highlighting the significance of data and the importance of CARDS.
Dr Bhimaraya Metri, Director, IIM Tiruchirappalli, welcomed the gathering, saying it was a historical day for IIM Trichy and highlighting that CARDS is a joint venture between Tamil Nadu e-Governance Agency (TNeGA)and IIM Trichy.
Dr Santosh Babu stressed the importance of IT and the essential function of data in day-to-day life. With the implementation of CARDS, he said the challenges encountered in the availability of online services to the public will be resolved. The tie-up between the e-Governance department and IIM Trichy will benefit and empower the citizens of TN.
In his address as Chief Guest, RB Udhayakumar referred to the strong relationship between IIM Trichy and the Government of Tamil Nadu and stresses the need to constantly improve e-governance services. He highlighted the difficulties in achieving a single IT solution in integrating and supporting various TN Government departments and, therefore the necessity of CARDS and the workshop on ‘e-Government and Public Service Delivery’ would help in addressing the challenges faced. He was impressed with the facilities, academic quality and the Director's acumen in building the IIM Trichy brand in such a short span.
Vimal Kumar M, a doctoral scholar and workshop co-ordinator, proposed the vote of thanks.