In a recent exchange on social media, Mohandas Pai, the former Chief Financial Officer of Infosys, expressed his frustration regarding the Indian government’s decision to establish three AI Centres of Excellence (CoEs) without including Bengaluru, often referred to as the technology capital of India. His comments sparked a lively debate, particularly with Zoho CEO Sridhar Vembu and Google DeepMind’s Director Manish Gupta, who defended the selection process and called for the avoidance of regional political narratives.

Background of the AI Centres of Excellence Initiative
The Indian government announced the establishment of three AI CoEs aimed at enhancing capabilities in key sectors such as healthcare, agriculture, and sustainable cities. The selected locations are:
AI Centre of Excellence | Location | Focus Area |
---|---|---|
AIIMS and IIT Delhi | New Delhi | Healthcare |
IIT Ropar | Punjab | Sustainable Cities |
IIT Kanpur | Uttar Pradesh | Agriculture |
This initiative, with an investment of ₹990 crores, is part of the government’s broader vision to leverage artificial intelligence for national development.
Mohandas Pai’s Concerns
On X (formerly Twitter), Mohandas Pai voiced his discontent with the central government’s decision. He questioned why Bengaluru was overlooked for these significant AI initiatives, stating:
- Frustration Over Neglect: Pai remarked, “Nothing in Bengaluru, the technology capital of India?”
- Call for Inclusion: He asked, “Are we not part of Bharat too?”
- Anger Among Citizens: Pai highlighted the dissatisfaction among citizens, noting, “People here are very angry and upset.”
- Political Commentary: He expressed disappointment over the treatment of Bengaluru, stating, “Bengaluru voted for NDA, but all we get is stepmotherly treatment.”
His post was directed not only at Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw but also tagged Prime Minister Narendra Modi and several Bengaluru MPs.
Responses from Tech Leaders
In response to Pai’s criticisms, Sridhar Vembu, who co-chairs the committee responsible for the selection of the AI hubs, offered clarifications about the decision-making process:
- Diverse Committee Membership: Vembu indicated that the selection committee had a significant number of members from the South, emphasizing that the majority were from the private sector.
- Evaluation Process: He stated that the committee undertook a “very thorough evaluation of actual projects” to determine the best locations for the CoEs.
- Avoiding Regional Politics: Vembu urged against the framing of the issue within a North-South political context, emphasizing, “I beg people to not inject North-South politics in this.”
Manish Gupta of Google DeepMind echoed Vembu’s sentiments, reinforcing that the decision-making was done with a focus on the entire nation’s benefit, rather than regional biases.
The Broader Implications
Pai’s comments reflect a growing sentiment in certain regions regarding equitable development. His frustration is rooted in a broader concern that Bengaluru, as a significant contributor to India’s tech landscape, deserves more recognition and investment.
- Investment Needs: Pai criticized both the central government and the Congress-led Karnataka state government for not investing adequately in Bengaluru, which has been a vital player in India’s IT growth.
- Political Dynamics: The dynamic between state and central governments remains a contentious issue, especially in the context of technology and innovation.
Conclusion
The exchange between Mohandas Pai and the tech leaders highlights the complexities surrounding governmental decision-making in regional development. As India strives to enhance its AI capabilities, it is crucial to ensure that the voices of all regions are heard, fostering an inclusive approach that recognizes the contributions of various states.
In summary, while Pai’s concerns shed light on the feelings of neglect among some constituents, Vembu and Gupta’s responses emphasize the importance of objective evaluation in decision-making processes. The ongoing dialogue between India’s tech leaders and policymakers is vital for achieving equitable growth and maximizing the potential of AI in the country.