India celebrates World Telecommunication Day

Indigenous 5G Test Bed for startups was launched this World Telecommunication Day, May 17, 2022. Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched them at the silver jubilee celebrations of the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI).

Minister of State for Communications Devusinh Chauhan tweeted his greetings “Greetings to all of you on World Telecommunication Day. India, since 2014, has witnessed a telecom revolution guided by Hon’ble PM @narendramodiJi and I congratulate my countrymen for being a part of this phenomenal transformation.”

The World Telecommunication Day has been celebrated annually on May 17 since 1969, marking the founding of International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and the signing of the first International Telegraph Convention in 1865. It was instituted by the Plenipotentiary Conference in Malaga-Torremolinos in 1973 as Resolution 46.

The purpose of World Telecommunication and Information Society Day (WTISD) is to help raise awareness of the possibilities that the use of the Internet and other information and communication technologies (ICT) can bring to societies and economies, as well as of ways to bridge the digital divide. 17 May marks the anniversary of the signing of the first International Telegraph Convention and the creation of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU).

This year’s theme raises awareness of the important role of telecommunications/ICTs in supporting people to stay healthy, connected and independent – physically, emotionally and financially. Supporting a life of healthy ageing is also critical for the sustainability of economic and health systems. The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) hopes to foster initiatives to accelerate digital technologies for older persons and healthy ageing that will contribute towards the UN Decade of Healthy Ageing.

The ageing of the global population will be the defining demographic trend of the 21st century—yet our societies struggle to see the opportunities that this trend can unfold. Telecommunications and information communication technologies (ICTs) have a role to play in achieving healthier ageing, but also in helping people build smarter cities, combat age-based discrimination at the workplace, ensure financial inclusion of older persons, and support millions of caregivers across the world.

CT Bureau