India’s journey in computing and digital transformation has been marked by significant milestones:

1955: The Indian Statistical Institute (ISI) in Kolkata installed the country’s first computer, a British-built HEC-2M, marking the advent of computing in India.

1960: The Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR) in Mumbai developed TIFRAC (Tata Institute of Fundamental Research Automatic Calculator), India’s first indigenous computer.

1970: The Government of India established the Department of Electronics (DoE), laying the foundation for organized electronic and computing research.

1979: Indian companies commenced the production of minicomputers, signaling a move towards self-reliance in computing technology.

1982: Under the leadership of Rajiv Gandhi, computers were utilized in organizing the Asian Games, showcasing the potential of technology in large-scale events.

1984: As Prime Minister, Rajiv Gandhi initiated the liberalization of the computer industry, with N. Seshagiri of the DoE as an adviser, fostering growth in the sector.

1986: The Indian Railways’ reservation system underwent computerization, enhancing efficiency in ticketing and operations.

1986: A National Supercomputer Centre was established at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) in Bangalore, bolstering computational research capabilities.

1991: The liberalization of computer production and imports facilitated greater access to computing resources.

1995: Videsh Sanchar Nigam Ltd (VSNL) launched India’s first commercial Internet service, connecting the nation to the global digital network.

1998: Then-Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee established a National Task Force on Information Technology, aiming to position India as a global IT and software powerhouse.

2006: The National e-Governance Plan was rolled out to make government services accessible electronically, promoting transparency and efficiency.

2010: The Information Technology (IT) sector’s contribution to India’s GDP reached 6.5%, reflecting its growing economic significance.

July 2015: Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the Digital India campaign, aiming to enhance online infrastructure, improve internet connectivity, and achieve universal digital literacy, including in rural areas.

2015: The Ministry of Electronics and IT announced the National Supercomputing Mission, with plans to install 73 indigenous supercomputers by 2022, strengthening computational capabilities.

2018: A National Statistical Office (NSO) survey reported that 23.4% of urban and 4.4% of rural households owned a computer, highlighting ongoing efforts to bridge the digital divide.

2023: The Digital India program continues to bridge the digital divide and foster inclusive growth through digital innovation and literacy.

These milestones reflect India’s progressive journey towards becoming a digitally empowered society and knowledge economy.