Professor Anil Gupta steps down as Executive Vice-Chairman of National Innovation Foundation

After almost 18 years of service, professor Anil Gupta, who set up the National Innovation Foundation, that aims at strengthening grassroots technological innovation, stepped down from his post as the Executive Vice-Chairman. He says he took the decision so he could divert his energy to various social causes such as lack of nutrition and education.

NIF was set up in 2000 based on Honey Bee Network's philosophy and has created a database of 2,25,000 technological ideas and innovations.

Gupta took to social media to inform about his decision, stating: "Stepping down from the position of Executive Vice Chair, NIF. When the Honey Bee Network created NIF way back in 2000, with the support of Department of Science and Technology, there was no template on how to build an inclusive innovation ecosystem. We started from scratch and are happy that we could make a small difference to the lives of grassroots innovators and creative communities. A great deal remains to be done and I am sure the new structure of governance will steer to greater heights. The Honey Bee Network, which has scouted most of the innovations, will continue to support NIF and ensure that it stays on a constructive and positive course."

Speaking to DNA about his plans, professor Gupta, a visiting faculty at IIMA, was quick to say that Shodh Yatra will keep him busy as it will now be conducted six times a year. "The Shodh Yatra has been doubled, so my walk to find innovators in villages will keep me busy. I also wish to revive the summer school on Common Property Resource Institutions. Resources are bound to become more scarce; yet people lack the values required to live by sharing. At IIMA, summer classes were held for six years to impart these values. All public policy institutions push for individualism, but we have to learn to cooperate and share our resources.

Education will be my other focus area. The culture of dissent has vanished. We need curiosity-driven culture to strengthen schools and colleges. Dissent is the essence of diversity and innovation and if dissent is over, then innovation will not thrive either.

These apart, I will strive to ensure students from the 6.5 lakh villages in India have access to high quality content in their mother tongue."

Professor Gupta will also actively involved with many educational institutions, where he will give lectures and take classes online, too.