Pune seeks to become India's animation capital

Pune, May 17 (IANS) First, it was information technology, then came biotechnology and now Pune's heavyweights want to make a mark in the animation sector.

The fifth Hi Tech Pune-Maharashtra 2008 conference scheduled June 18-20 has brought into its ambit animation and gaming along with IT and biotechnology.

At a press conference here Saturday evening, Suresh Kalmadi, MP and chairman of Pune Vyaspeeth, the initiator of this annual event, said: 'This time we thought we will go a step further. We are happy to inform you that this year we are presenting the sunrise industry of animation and gaming under this banner.'

According to experts one of the reason for Pune to be chosen as a natural hub for animation industry is because is its proximity to Bollywood. Another is the large student base the city has to offer.

According to Ashish Kulkarni, the of CEO Big Animation, a part of the Anil Dhirubhai Ambani Group: 'Creativity is completely lost when one has to travel three hours in a crowded local for work. Pune offers peace of mind. Besides, music directors and artists are more than ready to come and visit us at Pune.'

The conference will be held under the guidance of R.A. Mashalkar, president of Global Research Alliance. He has set innovation-led inclusive growth as the theme of the conference.

Mashalkar said innovation was the new global mantra and Indians should aim at becoming world leaders in it. 'Innovation takes the idea into the marketplace, making nations wealthier. World over now ministers are being designated science, technology and innovation ministers. The benefits of innovation should come down to the masses.'

The conference will be inaugurated by Minister for State for Communications and Information Technology Jyotiraditya Scindia. The winners of the Lifetime Achievement awards will be Chairman and Chief Mentor, Infosys Technologies, N.R Narayana Murthy and Managing Director, Shantha Biotechnics, Vardhaprasad Reddy, for their outstanding contributions to industry and society.