BITA to promote Vadodara as IT destination

After playing home to several public sector units, Sanskar Nagari, as Vadodara is popularly known, is now trying to find its place in the IT world.

The Baroda Information Technology Association (BITA), a body which has made representations before the state government to promote Vadodara as an IT city, is organising a mega show later this month for the cause.

"The association is trying hard to promote Vadodara as a top IT destination. We believe that the city has an edge over other Gujarat cities in terms of talent pool. Vadodara has MS University, which is one of the best universities around," says Hitesh Patani, president of BITA.

The association is organising 'BITA IT Show 2008' from January 25 to 27, to promote the city. And for the first time in Gujarat, a computer and IT directory will be released during the event.

BITA has been successfully organising such shows for the past 10 years, which saw the participation of over 200 IT companies. Event organisers claim that around 2 lakh visitors come to the show every year. This year's event will have nine different seminars on IT industry.

"BITA Gujarat Computer IT Directory, the state's for IT directory, will be released on January 25 to provide the industry players with a much needed database," says Parag Tejura, managing director of DP Infotech, a participant in the show.

He says that the event is being organised to bring IT professionals from across the country on one platform. "There are over one lakh IT professionals from Gujarat who work outside of the state. Many of them want to relocate in Gujarat, but find it difficult to get a matching package. Also, there are many multinationals which are reluctant to come to Gujarat due to the perception that there is no trained manpower in the state. We want to create a platform for IT professionals in the state," says Tejura.