Padma Shri Awardee Praises Youth, Startups, and Women Innovators

Guwahati: Renowned innovator and Padma Shri awardee Uddhab Bharali, known for his grassroots technological solutions that have transformed lives across rural India, recently attended a boot camp organised by STPI (Software Technology Parks of India) in Assam. In a candid conversation with Business Northeast (BNE), the inventor from North Lakhimpur shared his thoughts on youth, innovation, women entrepreneurs, and the future of startups in Assam. Known for his simplicity and clarity of thought, Bharali offers a grounded perspective on how technology and innovation must serve society not just trends.

Excerpts of the interview are as under:-

BNE: Please tell us about your participation in the boot camp and what has been your experience?
Uddhab Bharali: We are looking at the new generation they are the ones who will carry forward the world. I am truly happy to see how smart and capable they are. I must offer my gratitude to STPI and the Government of India for organizing this. These are the kind of practical efforts we need. Without dynamism, we cannot imagine a fruitful future. If I can contribute by joining hands with them, I would be even happier.

BNE: Do you think Assam is ready to take a lead in the startup race, particularly in innovation and emerging technologies?
Uddhab Bharali: Everyone talks about AI it’s one way of doing things. But people are projecting it as if it is everything. The value of any technology depends on its use, and on the socio-economic realities like how many people live under BPL, the literacy rate, and so on. Still, there’s opportunity for everyone. When it comes to development, especially using what's already available to us, it comes down to government policies. People will always try their best to survive technology should help that.

BNE: What were the challenges you faced when you started your journey?
Uddhab Bharali: There was nothing. And that was a good thing. The absence of comfort was what shaped me. Without that, I wouldn’t be where I am today. It was essential.

BNE: How many Padma Shri awardees do you expect from Assam in the coming years?
Uddhab Bharali: As far as innovation is concerned, there is no one at the moment. Even at the all-India level, you won’t find many. It’s a political decision.

BNE: Do you think women should also step forward and take up entrepreneurship?
Uddhab Bharali: Women have already stepped forward. They have access to everything in this world.

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BNE: In terms of tech-based startups, do you think the government is giving enough importance to women-led initiatives?
Uddhab Bharali: In my view, women shouldn’t simply follow men. They have their own unique ways of doing things. What’s important is that they come forward
and in fact, many already have.

BNE: Some say tech is not for everyone. Would you agree?
Uddhab Bharali: Yes. Tech is for everybody. It doesn’t require physical strength, which means it's open to all men and women alike.

BNE: What’s your view on the current startup ecosystem? Do you think more incubators are needed?
Uddhab Bharali: That’s a difficult question, but yes there is a need for more incubators. Government jobs and facilities have become a priority for many, but people still need to come forward. Whether there’s a government scheme or not, I believe people will find a way.