Sam Catalyst in Bengal Brahaminical Resurgence

Sam 'catalyst' in resurgence http://www.telegraphindia.com/1110717/jsp/bengal/story_14249745.jsp

A STAFF REPORTER

Pitroda with Mamata at Writers'. (Bishwarup Dutta) Calcutta, July 16: Mamata Banerjee today announced that Sam Pitroda would be her government's "chief adviser on Bengal's resurgence". Pitroda, the Prime Minister's adviser on public information infrastructure and innovations, met the chief minister at Writers' for over 75 minutes this afternoon and had, what he termed, "a brief dialogue onparivartan (change)". After the meeting, Pitroda said Bengal a "big state with big problems" but he could act as a "catalyst" for development. Asked if he would come to Calcutta several times to offer his guidance to the state government, Pitroda said his "heart and mind" were in Bengal. "In this age of communication, I don't really need to keep showing up physically for this purpose. I am here in my heart and mind."

Mamata lauded Pitroda for bringing about India's communications revolution and said his guidance would not only help in the process of Bengal's resurgence but also present the state before the world in a better light. "His advice will be of great use to us. He will not only help us on information technology but also as the chief advisor on Bengal's resurgence. He will guide us on how the state's image — with its culture, arts, knowledge, industry and commerce — can be presented before the world in a better way," the chief minister said. Pitroda said his partnership with the state government would be "good" and he would act as a "catalyst" in the development of sectors such as technology, education, innovation and health. "I'm in a hurry because I am 70 and I don't have much time. She (Mamata) is also in a hurry because she wants to do a lot of things," he said. "What has happened in the last 30 years is behind us. We need a definite direction for the next 30 years. We need massive change now in education, health and investment."

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