Take a good look at the man in the picture. For there will come a time when every Bangalorean will be grateful to him. He is Srikanth Nadhamuni, managing trustee, eGovernment Foundation. He belongs to the new breed of jean-clad, Yankee-accented NRI (Now Returned To India) brigade, who believe in playing their part in changing the future of this country.

 

"eGovernment Foundation is a registered non-profit trust that aims to improve governance in India through the effective use of technologies and processes," says Srikanth. "We have developed software products and solutions to enable the efficient workings of city-level corporations and municipalities." 

 

It translates into simpler Property Tax payment with no harassment and improved revenue collection towards better city infrastructure; better accountability of the money coming in and leaving the city corporation or municipalities; ability to register complaints online or offline and track the complaint until it is resolved; ability to get a birth/death certificate in a matter of minutes from the city or over post. Eighteen of the 42 cities will also have a GIS (Geographic Information System) with accurate maps of the city, that will be the basis of better city planning and governance.

 

Srikanth, originally from Mysore , spent more than 16 years in the Silicon Valley where, he confesses that he had "a blast, working hard and earning well". He built technology solutions at companies such as Sun Microsystems and Intel. But if you thought he was just a rich geek, you're mistaken. "Back in 1986, my then colleague and now wife Sunita, impressed upon us friends to do something for the cyclone victims in Andhra Pradesh. We collected almost $30,000 and started an organisation called Seva in the Bay Area. We used to raise money for NGOs back home in India .

 

Every year I used to spend time in various remote places in India . In fact, I know rural India better than urban India ." However, he admits that he does not see himself as someone who can dig trenches in the villages. "I don't know whether I'd be good at that." So, when he returned to India last year, he decided to do something for urban India . "Because by 2030, half of India is going to be urban. And urban India is fast deteriorating."

 

In February this year he formed eGovernments Foundation with Nandan Nilekani (CEO of Infosys) who has helped with personal funding. "We are an IT super power. We run the London Tube. Then why can't we run our own corporations effectively?" he asks. "We always point fingers at politicians and bureaucrats for all the ills of this society. But we are also responsible for what is ailing our society. We need to participate in solving issues." He has given up a lucrative career to do something that might or might not be appreciated or even successful. All for free? "The returns are tremendous, not in terms of money but in terms of the positive change towards better governance in India ," he smiles. "If you make an earnest attempt you can make a difference."

 

Srikanth is looking for volunteers. "We need software developers, technical writers, urban planners, project managers, web designers, engineers, architects." If you want to play a role in changing the future of this city, contact 51255708 or log on www.egovernments.org. NOW!

sudhapillai@indiatimes.com