INTERACTION_WITH-U.S._AMBASSADOR
On
February 12th 2016, His Excellency Richard R. Verma, U.S Ambassador
to India visited GITAM University to have an interaction with the students on the
topic of Visakhapatnam as a smart city. In his inspiring address he spoke of
his middle class upbringing in India and credited his parents for his success,
highlighting that it was the importance they gave to education and hard work
that changed their lives. Many students from different Institutes of GITAM
University had the good fortune to ask him questions based on that day’s topic
of discussion. Few of the questions included –
- Definition of smart city from business perspective.
- How to reduce drug abuse in a smart city?
- Are we becoming too smart and then failing by over using technology?
- Involvement of women and children in creating a better environment to achieve our definition of smart city
- Is policy paralysis and lack of transparency responsible for creating a glitch in implementing the smart city concept?
The
Ambassador patiently responded to the queries and an interesting discussion
ensued. He was confident that India’s relationship with the U.S would prove to
be fruitful in the future. Already
almost 20 companies were planning to establish themselves in Vizag, he informed.
The port city has the resources and the opportunities to become a smart city
and maintain good relations with other smart cities and states, Mr. Verma
reiterated and assured all assistance from the U.S in this regard.