The CSI e-Ratna Award was conferred upon Hon’ble Chief Minister of Odisha Shri Naveen Patnaik on the eve of the SIG CSI e-Gov Award Ceremony of Computer Society of India which was held at Auditorium, KIIT Campus-6 on 17th January, 2020.
Addressing the gathering, The Chief Minister remarked that Digital Democracy has immense relevance towards participatory governance. It virtually brings transparency to the system. Recent reports suggest that the data consumption in india is one of the highest among the countries in the world. It has huge significance for the future. It encompasses socio-economic and cultural condition, apart from political and self determination. It is just like social inclusion in need of democracy.
The award in the State Category-2019 went to Sikkim, Gujurat, Telengana, while the award in the State Category-2020 went to Odisha & Haryana. The CSI Fellowship Awards were presented to Dr. Gulshan Rai, Dr. Ajay K Singh, and Dr. A K Saini. CSI Hon. Fellowship Awards were presented to Mr. Anirban Mukherjee and Dr. Sasmita Samanta, Pro-VC KIIT DU and President, All India Commerce Association.
The Compendium and Award Booklet as well as the Annual Convention-2020 Souvenir were unveiled by The Chief Minister. While the Welcome Address was given by Sri R. K. Vyas, Vice President, CSI, the particulars about the awards were placed by Dr. Ashok Agarwal.
Among the dignitaries, Sri Tushar Kanti Behera, Hon’ble Minister, Electronics, IT & Sports, Govt. of Odisha; Dr. Achyuta Samanta, Hon’ble MP; Hon Fellow, CSI Sri B. P. Acharya, IAS, Spl. Chief Secretary, Govt. of Telangana; and Sri Manas R Pattanaik, Convener, CSI 2020 were present on the occasion.