35th World Telecommunication Day  

35th World Telecommunication Day was celebrated by IETE Mumbai Centre along with IRSTE Bombay Chapter, IEE Bombay Chapter, IEEE Bombay Section and BESI Mumbai Chapter. The function was held at Akashwani Auditorium, Mumbai at 1600 hrs on May 17, 2003 and was attended by over 70 members. Dr. B. D. Pradhan was the Chief Guest and Keynote Speaker on this occasion. This year ITU theme was "Helping All The World's People To Communicate."

The function started with welcoming the Chief Guest Shri B. D. Pradhan with a bouquet by Shri G. S. Tuteja Chairman, IETE Mumbai Centre. Shri G. S. Tuteja introduced the Chief Guest. Dr. Pradhan has been associated with rural telecommunication for the last more than 40 years. He has been the Head of C-DOT, which was engaged in developing the technology for rural telecommunication. He was the most appropriate Chief Guest for this occasion.

Dr. Pradhan has chosen his subject as 'Romance with Rural Telecommunication' on this occasion. He narrated in details his experience of rural telecommunication from his first assignment of installing Single Side Band HF radiotelephones in the villages in Nepal. He traced the history of C-DOT exchanges, which were used in remote rural areas under worst weather conditions, location and environment. The C-DOT exchanges have been a great success for development of rural telecommunication in this country. It was a very educative and informative lecture and was appreciated by all.

Shri Quarish Bakir, Hony Secretary, IETE read out the Message received from Mr Yoshio Utsumi, Secretary General International Telecommunication Union. Shri S. C. Khasgiwal, Chairman BESI Mumbai Chapter gave vote of thanks.