The executive chairman of Tata Sons, Natarajan Chandrasekaran, praised India’s economic performance and potential at the Andhra University alumni day meeting held in Visakhapatnam on Saturday. He said that India is posting higher growth rates and moderate inflation compared to developed countries like the USA and UK, which are struggling with low growth and high inflation. He added that this is a great opportunity for the present generation of students to contribute to the country’s development.

Chandrasekaran, who is an alumnus of Andhra University, also spoke about how the Covid-19 pandemic changed the world on various fronts, including health, economy, and technology. He said that the pandemic accelerated the adoption of digital technologies and created new opportunities for innovation and entrepreneurship. He urged the students to embrace the change and be ready for the future.

Alumni network crucial for university’s potential, says Tata Son executive chairman

Chandrasekaran also emphasized the importance of tapping into the alumni network for the universities to achieve their full potential. He said that the Western world, particularly the universities in the USA, have been able to create a strong ecosystem of alumni engagement and support, which has helped them to excel in research and innovation. He said that he was glad to know that Andhra University initiated a similar effort a few years ago, which can be emulated by other universities in the country.

He also congratulated Andhra University for completing 100 years of existence and praised its legacy and achievements. He said that Andhra University has produced many eminent personalities in various fields, such as former president Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, former prime minister P V Narasimha Rao, and former chief justice of India K Subba Rao. He said that he was proud to be a part of the Andhra University family and expressed his gratitude to his alma mater for shaping his career and life.

Energy transition requires mammoth capital requirements, says Chandrasekaran

Chandrasekaran also touched upon the topic of energy transition, which he said is one of the biggest challenges and opportunities for the world. He said that the world needs to shift from fossil fuels to renewable sources of energy to combat climate change and ensure energy security. He said that this would require mammoth capital requirements and collaboration among various stakeholders, such as governments, businesses, and civil society.

He said that India has a huge potential to become a leader in renewable energy, given its abundant solar and wind resources. He said that Tata Group is committed to investing in renewable energy and reducing its carbon footprint. He said that Tata Group has set a target of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050 and has already invested over $6 billion in renewable energy projects.

He also said that Tata Group is exploring other emerging technologies, such as hydrogen, electric vehicles, and battery storage, to further enhance its green portfolio. He said that Tata Group is also working on social and environmental initiatives, such as water conservation, waste management, and education, to create a positive impact on society.