MP Brijesh Chowta calls for rebranding Mangaluru as IT destination, emphasizes better connectivity
Mangaluru: Dakshina Kannada Member of Parliament, Brijesh Chowta, has called for efforts to change the negative perceptions about Mangaluru as an IT destination and to position the city as a thriving hub for the technology industry.
Speaking at the event “Mangalore IT Wave: Surfing Towards India's Silicon Beach” organized by the IT Task Force on Tuesday, Chowta underscored the need for rebranding Mangaluru to attract IT investments and development.
During the interaction with representatives of IT companies, Chowta highlighted that Mangaluru already contributes significantly to the IT sector, with earnings reaching 500 million dollars. However, he stressed that many from outside the region still view the city as not conducive for IT industry growth, primarily due to safety concerns and the lack of a vibrant social life.
“There is a misconception that Mangaluru is not a safe place for IT companies, and some believe the city has very few pubs or places for partying,” said Chowta. He argued that such perceptions were holding back the city’s potential and emphasized the need to promote Mangaluru’s unique selling points (USP) instead. “We first need to highlight Mangaluru's natural beauty, unique features, and the facilities it offers. Pubs, clubs, and a lively nightlife will follow later. It doesn’t work the other way around,” he added.
Chowta also shared two significant plans aimed at boosting Mangaluru’s IT potential. The first initiative, called “Back to Uru” (Back to City), focuses on engaging IT professionals originally from Mangaluru but currently working in different parts of the country or abroad. Chowta expressed his desire to interact with these top IT officials, encouraging them to contribute their knowledge and resources back to the city. Through idea exchanges and collaboration, he believes their expertise could play a vital role in elevating Mangaluru’s position as an IT destination.
The second initiative, “Be Your Own Boss,” is designed to empower mid-sized business owners in the region. Chowta highlighted the importance of supporting entrepreneurs in establishing and expanding their businesses, creating more opportunities for local growth. He emphasized that, with the right backing and support, Mangaluru has the potential to produce its own IT giants. “Infosys and TCS didn’t happen overnight. It took ambitious people and strong support to build these companies. With the right guidance, a company like Novigo can be the next big IT name from Mangaluru,” he said.
Chowta pointed out that Mangaluru has the necessary infrastructure and opportunities to attract IT companies but has underperformed compared to other cities. He called for the creation of a comprehensive branding strategy to position Mangaluru as a “Silicon Beach,” a nod to its coastal beauty and potential as a technology hub. According to Chowta, the IT Task Force must include all key stakeholders, including the district administration, government representatives, and IT sector experts, to craft a unified plan.
“The task force should regularly engage with all stakeholders to figure out why Mangaluru has not yet achieved the success it deserves in the IT sector,” he said. While he acknowledged that the city has not performed poorly, he stressed that it has underachieved given its potential. Chowta urged IT professionals and experts to convene regularly to find solutions to the challenges Mangaluru faces in becoming an IT hub.
Chowta further reflected on how many IT professionals from Mangaluru had to move to other cities like Mumbai and Bengaluru to pursue their dreams. “Back in the early 2000s, about 20-25% of the IT workforce that moved first to Mumbai and then to Bengaluru were originally from Mangaluru. If they were able to achieve their dreams in other cities, we need to ask ourselves why they could not do so in Mangaluru despite the city’s potential,” Chowta remarked. He encouraged the IT community in the city to hold monthly meetings to discuss ways to improve the local IT ecosystem.
Addressing concerns regarding the city's early closing hours for hotels, malls, and shops, Chowta dismissed the notion that these factors were significant deterrents to investment. He emphasized that the focus should be on larger issues like branding, infrastructure, and showcasing Mangaluru’s strengths to the IT industry.
One of Chowta’s key priorities is to enhance connectivity between Mangaluru and Bengaluru. He argued that better connectivity would not only help Mangaluru grow but also contribute to Karnataka’s overall GDP. Chowta provided updates on key infrastructure projects, noting that the contractor responsible for the BC Road-Addahole highway has promised to complete the work by March 2025. Additionally, he mentioned that work on the Shiradi highway will extend to Marnahalli and that plans are underway to improve Mangaluru-Bengaluru railway and bus services via the Shiradi Ghat route.
In response to a question from the moderator on whether more can be done at the political level to elevate Mangaluru's status as an IT hub among tier-2 cities, Brijesh Chowta emphasized that it is not just about politics. He stressed that all stakeholders, including industry leaders, government bodies, and local communities, must come together to put proper mechanisms in place for Mangaluru’s growth. Chowta also welcomed the government’s recent shift in focus beyond Bengaluru, calling it a positive step. He noted that Mangaluru is now on the government’s radar, which is a promising sign for the city’s future as an emerging IT destination.
Brijesh Chowta also assured that he would take proactive steps by meeting Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman during his upcoming visit to Delhi this month. He mentioned that he plans to personally discuss the idea of establishing Mangaluru as a prominent IT hub with the minister and will push for putting the necessary plans in motion. Chowta expressed his commitment to advocating for Mangaluru’s IT potential at the central level and ensuring that the city gets the attention and support it needs to become a thriving technology destination.
Mangalore Novigo Solutions CEO Praveen Kalbavi interacted with the MP. Head of Mangalore Infosys Vasudev Kamath, 99 Games Founder Rohit Bhat, KCCI President Anand G Pai, Dikshith Rai of Codecraft Technologies and other prominent companies participated.
CII IT Convenor Muhammad Hanif welcomed. Ashit Hegde gave the introductory speech. Shashir Shetty compered the program.
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India, Ethiopia elevate ties to strategic partnership as PM Modi holds talks with his counterpart
Addis Ababa (PTI): India and Ethiopia on Tuesday elevated their historical ties to a strategic partnership, as Prime Minister Narendra Modi held wide-ranging talks with his Ethiopian counterpart Abiy Ahmed Ali during which they discussed issues of bilateral and mutual interest.
Modi, who arrived here from Jordan on his maiden bilateral visit, was accorded a ceremonial welcome at the National Palace ahead of the bilateral talks, reflecting the vibrant India-Ethiopia relations rooted in shared history and a promising future.
"We are elevating India and Ethiopia relations to a strategic partnership. This step will provide new energy, new momentum and new depth to our ties," Prime Minister Modi said during the delegation-level talks.
He thanked PM Ali for his support in India's fight against terrorism. "The support of friendly countries in this struggle against terrorism holds great significance," Modi said.
"Today, we got the opportunity to deliberate on the key aspects of our cooperation, such as economy, innovation, technology, defence, health, capacity-building and multilateral cooperation. I am pleased that today, we have decided to double the student scholarship for Ethiopia in India," Modi said.
Modi said that India and Ethiopia have shared contact, dialogue, and exchange for thousands of years. The two countries, which are rich in languages and traditions, are symbols of unity in diversity, he added.
"Both countries are democratic powers committed to peace and the welfare of humanity. We are co-travellers and partners of the Global South. On international platforms, we have stood shoulder-to-shoulder," he said.
The two sides signed eight MoUs/agreements, including upgrading ties to 'Strategic Partnership', customs cooperation, establishing data center at the Ethiopian Foreign Ministry, UN Peacekeeping training cooperation, debt restructuring under G20, more ICCR scholarships and AI short courses for Ethiopians, and support for maternal and neonatal healthcare.
Modi said the African Union's headquarters in Ethiopia makes the country a meeting point of African diplomacy. "Inspired by the common vision of an inclusive world, in 2023, India ensured that the African Union became a G20 member," he said.
In 2023, during India’s G20 Presidency, the African Union was admitted as a permanent member of the G20.
Modi said that though this is his first visit, he felt a deep sense of belonging and warmth, reflecting the thousands of years of connection between the two countries.
On his part, Prime Minister Ali said the two countries share over thousands of years of connection through trade, diplomacy, education, culture and even in our food and traditions. "These ties continue to shape a deep friendship, collaboration and mutual respect between our people," he said.
"We also appreciate your consistent message that Africa's priorities must lead the partnership. These kinds of dignified, respectful messages for Africa are very important. Mr Prime Minister, keep pushing. That is the type of message we are expecting from all our trusted friends," Ali said.
He said this aligned fully with Ethiopia's development plan - African-owned, African-led, and African-defined.
"Today, we meet with a clear focus to shape a modern partnership, grounded in sovereignty, self-reliance and practical cooperation. Our cooperation is rooted in equality and South-South solidarity," he said.
"Our economy is performing strongly. Last year, we grew 9.2% and this year we are expecting 10.3% GDP growth. Besides GDP growth, our FDI inflow is also rising big time. India is the leading source for our FDI," he said.
"We have more than 615 Indian companies which are investing in Ethiopia. This all gives our cooperation a strong foundation of trust. I think our decision today that we elevate our historic relationship to a strategic relationship is the right decision," he added.
Ethiopia also conferred its highest award - The Great Honour Nishan of Ethiopia - on PM Modi. He is the first global head of state to receive this award.
Prime Minister Modi also went to the Friendship Park and Friendship Square in Addis Ababa with PM Ali.
In a warm and special gesture, PM Modi was earlier received by his Ethiopian counterpart at the airport and accorded a warm and colourful welcome.
"Ethiopia is a nation with great history and vibrant culture," Modi said.
PM Ali informed his Indian counterpart about the varieties of Ethiopian coffee during informal talks.
"At Addis Ababa airport, took part in a traditional Coffee Ceremony with Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali. The ceremony beautifully highlights Ethiopia’s rich heritage," Modi said.
In a unique gesture, the Ethiopian Prime Minister drove Modi to the hotel.
On the way, he took a special initiative of taking PM Modi to the Science Museum and Friendship Park, which was not in the itinerary.
"Gratitude to Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali for showing me glimpses of Ethiopian history and culture at the National Palace Museum in Addis Ababa. It was a powerful reminder of Ethiopia’s rich traditions," Modi said in a post on X.
The Nobel Peace Prize-winning Ethiopian PM’s special gestures show remarkable respect for Modi, sources said.
"Thank you Ethiopia for a welcome that was unforgettable. The Indian community showed remarkable warmth and affection. India-Ethiopia friendship is going to get even more robust in the times to come," Modi said.
When Modi arrived at the hotel, he was warmly welcomed by the members of the Indian community. Local artists performed dances. Some of them danced on the theme of the popular Hindi song 'Aisa Des Hai Mera' to welcome him.
On Wednesday, Modi will address the Joint Session of Parliament and share his thoughts on India's journey as the "Mother of Democracy" and the value that the India-Ethiopia partnership can bring to the Global South.
PM Modi arrived in Ethiopia from Jordan, where he held a one-on-one meeting with King Abdullah II at the Husseiniya Palace on Monday before the delegation-level talks.
India and Jordan also inked MoUs in the fields of culture, renewable energy, water management, digital public infrastructure and twinning arrangement between Petra and Ellora, aimed at giving a major boost to bilateral ties and friendship.
From Ethiopia, Modi will visit Oman on the final leg of this three-nation tour.
