Embassy of IndiaYangon, Myanmar

Speech by Ambassador Abhay Thakur

at the Digital Literacy Workshop 

for leading Myanmar Universities

by Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC), India

on 15 September 2025 

Dr. Saw Sanda Aye, Rector, University of Information Technology, Rectors, pro-rectors, faculty members and students from various Myanmar institutions and Universities, colleagues from the Centre for Development of Advance Computing (C-DAC), Ladies and gentlemen.

At the outset, let me welcome all the Rectors, pro-rectors, senior faculty members, teachers and very importantly, the students of at least six Myanmar institutions for participating in this online digital literacy workshop today, conducted by the Centre for Development of Advanced Computing or C-DAC India.

Today, we are gathered under the timeless inspiration of Mahatma Gandhi’s vision to promote education as the most powerful instrument of social transformation. Gandhi Ji believed that true progress begins when every individual has the means to learn, to question, and to contribute to the well-being of their community.

India has emerged as a global champion of digital literacy and inclusion for the Global South. Through the Digital India programme, we have built nationwide broadband networks, launched e-governance portals, delivered thousands of digital public goods like DigiLocker and e-Sanjeevani, and empowered millions with online learning platforms such as SWAYAM and PM eVidya. These initiatives are transforming lives—from remote villages in our partner countries to island nations —by bridging the digital divide and fostering equitable access to education and services.

We are delighted that several leading Myanmar universities have joined us today in this endeavour, including :

• University of Information Technology (UIT)
• University of Computer Studies, Yangon (UCSY)
• Yangon Technological University (YTU)
• Naypyitaw State Polytechnic University (NSPU) 
• Myanmar Institute of Information Technology (MIIT) 
• Yangon University of Economics (YUEco) 

Your support and partnership will accelerate our shared mission to equip every student with the skills needed for the 21st century economy.

I would also like to highlight the role of the Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC), a premier organization under India’s Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY). As a Scientific Society, C-DAC has tirelessly developed a robust bouquet of solutions addressing critical digital empowerment needs both in India and abroad. To date, C-DAC has successfully implemented 61 projects across 42 countries in Africa, Eastern Europe, South-East Asia, Central Asia, the Middle East, Arab nations, Latin America, the Caribbean, Pacific Islands, and South America. In Myanmar, the India-Myanmar Centre for Enhancement of IT Skills (IMCEITS) and the Centre of Excellence in Software Development and Training (CESDT) stand as prime examples of C-DAC’s commitment to capacity building and digital empowerment.

As we speak, five Master Trainers from Information and Communication Technology Research Centre (ICTRC) and UIT, are undergoing specially curated PG Diploma courses in the field of IT Infrastructure, Systems & Security and Artificial Intelligence, etc, at C-DAC training centre in Pune, Maharashtra, India. 

Building on these partnerships, the Government of India has been delighted to offer scholarships under the ICCR and ITEC schemes to students from Myanmar. Nearly 5000 students are getting enrollment in various Indian universities and institutions for graduate / post graduate and doctoral degree courses every year. Of these, about 10-15% are getting admission through various GoI funded schemes such as ICCR scholarships, Nalanda University and Study in India programme, and a significant number among the others are availing of private university scholarships as well. I warmly invite you all to apply and participate in these transformative programmes, which will deepen your expertise and strengthen the bonds between our nations. Together, guided by Gandhi Ji’s belief in the power of education, we can contribute towards shaping a digitally inclusive future for the Global South.

Today we are joined by two senior experts from C-DAC who will be moderating today’s workshop. Mr. Ritesh Dhote, Head of Department with over 14 years of experience and has mentored training for over 1000 Government Officials in Cyber Security, Blockchain, IoT, AI and e-governance. And Mr. Saket Jha is a Cybersecurity professional with over 12 years of experience in Cyber Security, and Cyber Forensics. With such distinguished experts with us today, I am confident that this workshop will be insightful and engaging. 

Thank you, and I wish all participants of this digital literacy workshop a fruitful session.

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