ObserveNow Superchargers UP with Digital Revolution and Breakthroughs at the 3rd Digital Bharat Summit Uttar Pradesh in Lucknow

Lucknow: ObserveNow Media hosted the 3rd Edition of the Digital Bharat Summit Uttar Pradesh at the Taj Mahal Hotel in Lucknow. The one-day summit, themed “Empowering Citizens with Digital Governance & Investment Opportunities for IT Sector,” gathered industry leaders, government officials, and innovators to discuss the future of digital governance and IT investment in the region.
The event, supported by the Department of IT & Electronics, Government of Uttar Pradesh, along with Meity Startup Hub and Invest UP, highlighted their dedication to advancing the IT sector.
Sunil Kumar Sharma, the Minister for Information Technology & Electronics in Uttar Pradesh, was the chief guest. In his address, Sharma emphasized the global identity of Digital Bharat and the state’s continuous efforts to support investors, noting improvements in IT policy development.
The inaugural session, chaired by Anil Kumar Sagar, IAS, Principal Secretary of the Department of Information Technology, explored “How Uttar Pradesh is Empowering Citizens with Digital Governance & Investment Opportunities for IT Sector.” Key speakers included Mahaveer Singhvi, IFS, Joint Secretary at the Ministry of External Affairs, who highlighted the role of Common Service Centres (CSCs) in simplifying access to services. Bhuvnesh Kumar, IAS, Additional Secretary at the Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology, noted the IT sector’s contribution to GDP and the expansion of AI, alongside Uttar Pradesh’s substantial Aadhaar registration numbers. Lt. General Vinod G. Khandare emphasized the need for comprehensive cybersecurity and the critical role of digital infrastructure in economic growth. Awanish Kumar Awasthi discussed India’s trajectory towards a $5 trillion economy and the country’s progress in digital payments.
Keynote addresses featured Vinit Goenka, Secretary of the Centre for Knowledge Sovereignty (CKS), who stressed the importance of Indian-owned data centres to prevent data colonization. Abhishek Prakash, IAS, Secretary of the Department of Infrastructure & Industries and CEO of Invest UP, highlighted Uttar Pradesh’s economic and cultural significance and its advancements in technology and infrastructure.
The summit included several panel discussions. The first panel, on “Leveraging Digital India Initiatives,” was moderated by Satish Kaushal from Deloitte. Panellists discussed technology’s role in improving governance and public services. Sanjeeb Patjoshi from Kerala emphasized digital solutions for housing and construction, while Eesha Priya, IAS, highlighted the benefits of digital platforms for tourism. Arvind Gautam from Sify Technologies noted the importance of technology integration for optimizing business operations.
The second panel focused on “Digital Transformation for Effective Governance,” moderated by Abhishek Rai from Salesforce. G S Naveen Kumar, IAS, discussed technology’s impact on governance and relief operations. Anirudh Saran Singh, IRS, spoke on bridging the digital divide with emerging technologies, and Dr. Arun Mohan Sherry from the Indian Institute of Information Technology Lucknow highlighted innovative tech solutions for public administration.
The third panel, on “Building Digitally Resilient Smart Cities,” was moderated by Alok Sharma from Autodesk. This discussion addressed the innovations necessary for future urban development. Panellists like Divyank Singh, IAS, and Syeda Afreen Banu S. Bellary, KAS, discussed the role of technology and inclusivity in smart city development, while Dr. Deivasigamani VASUDEVAN and Yogesh Khakre emphasized data-driven decisions and innovation for building resilient urban environments.
A fireside chat on “Financial Inclusion Through Digital Banking” highlighted India’s progress in digital payments and the ongoing challenges in financial inclusion. Taniya Tikoo, Editor-in-Chief & Co-Founder of ObserveNow discussed India’s leadership in digital inclusion planning. Ganesh Ananthanarayanan from Airtel Payments Bank emphasized the importance of infrastructure and trust in rural areas, while Sameer Verma, IAS, highlighted the RBI’s efforts in expanding financial inclusion.
The final panel, “Powering Progress: Public-Private Partnerships in Digital Transformation,” featured experts from government and industry. Sunny Kapoor from Ernst & Young LLP discussed the importance of strategic alliances in digital transformation. Panellists from UPPCL, Madhyanchal Vidyut Vitran Nigam Limited, and other organizations shared insights on implementing technology in public services. Shailesh Srivastava from the National Informatics Centre and S Sanob from Kerala State IT Mission stressed the role of IT in governance, while Maqsood Ahmed N from NEC Corporation India highlighted innovation at the intersection of public needs and private expertise.
The summit concluded with a forward-looking perspective on digital governance, emphasizing technology’s role in transparency, efficiency, and citizen empowerment. Participants agreed that continued investment in digital infrastructure and innovation is essential for sustaining the momentum of Digital Bharat and ensuring inclusive growth. The 3rd Edition of the Digital Bharat Summit in Uttar Pradesh was a significant step towards realizing the vision of a digitally empowered India, reflecting the collective effort and commitment of various stakeholders in the IT sector.