Citing the importance of innovation in social development, Mr Sam Pitroda, Honorary Chairman, AFI said, “Currently, the greatest minds of the nation are focused on solving the problems faced by the wealthy but the real problems exist at the base of the pyramid. These issues need to be addressed in an affordable, scalable and sustainable manner. In my opinion the solution for improving lives of Indians at the base of the pyramid will be created by social innovators who approach problems in unique ways and have an entrepreneurial bent of mind. The AFI forum aims to bring these social innovators together.”
Mr Sanjay Kadaveru, Founder and President, AFI added that, “Young social innovators are the heroes of modern India. They are addressing critical social issues facing the country in sectors such as education, healthcare, energy, livelihoods and agriculture. However, they cannot do this alone and require guidance from social sector champions, business leaders and the government. AFI provides these innovators with a platform which gives them access to the critical resources that they need – be it capital, mentors, or technology – and allows them to collaborate and learn from each other to develop scalable solutions that accelerate the socio-economic development of the country.”
AFI strongly believes that if social entrepreneurs are given the skills, support, and networks they need to improve their use of technology, they will be able to accelerate the impact of their organisations.
The need of the hour is to addresses the shortage of skill, education, expertise and knowledge that exists in the country. Technology and supportive policies can provide a platform that will enable inclusive growth and address the needs of the people at the bottom of the pyramid.
About Action For India:
Action For India’s (AFI) mission is to help social innovators in India overcome barriers to scale and achieve greater impact at the Bottom of the Pyramid (BoP). We believe in the pivotal role that technology plays in scaling market-based solutions, and we work to connect social innovators in India with impact investors, mentors, and technology experts worldwide. Launched in 2012, AFI is inspired and guided by Sam Pitroda, Adviser to the Prime Minister of India and Chairman of the National Innovation Council of India. AFI is headquartered in New Delhi, India and has a chapter in Silicon Valley, California. http://actionforindia.org/
