Holistic centre for wellness

Writing a new chapter in the city's healthcare sector, Dr Devi Prasad Shetty, chairman, Narayana Hrudayalaya, Kiran Mazumdar-shaw, chairman, Biocon Ltd and Sam Pitroda, chairman, National Innovation Council on Monday announced the launch of a holistic wellness centre. Pitroda, who was in Bangalore to launch a nutrition research centre, is one of the brains behind this centre which will come up at Narayana Hrudayalaya in two months. Sam Pitroda said: "It's time for everyone to learn about holistic care or alternative medication which has long-termhealthbenefits." We need affordable broadband: Pitroda The man who revolutionized the telecom sector feels the service must be affordable and connect rural areas. Sam Pitroda, chairman of National Innovation Council and former head of the National Knowledge Commission , was in Bangalore on Monday. Excerpts from an interview: What's the future of the telecom industry in India? The first challenge is to improve telecom services in rural areas. Phase II of the telecom revolution is providing affordable and faster broadband services. Currently, we hardly have anything close to good broadband service. We need countrywide fibre connectivity so that we can connect gram panchayats at the national level and address healthcare, education and governance issues through video conferencing and the internet. What role do BSNL and MTNL have to play in improving telecom services? BSNL and MTNL have to provide affordable and efficient broadband services , especially in rural areas. As head of the Knowledge Commission, don't you think the body shouldhavemorepowers than just being a recommendatory ones? How many of your reports have been implemented? We don't have to give it any more powers. We have submitted our recommendations and it's now for various ministries to implement them. Most of our recommendations are implemented , except all the education bills. What are your views on entry of foreign universities into India? Will it help shut down mediocre institutes? It will provide a little bit of flexibility and certainly improve quality of education . If we want to step into the global business scenario , we need global education. There's talk about you being nominated for the President's post. Nobody has talked to me about it yet. I cannot say anything till I'm officially nominated . I have a vision about it, but will see if it happens.from the times of India.