KOZHIKODE: When Information Technology began to make its early strides in the state, Kozhikode saw itself lagging way behind the IT early birds, Thiruvananthapuram and Kochi. Despite the presence of national-level educational institutions, youths kissed goodbye to the district for want of opportunities here.
But now, the district is all set to turn the tables on those who wrote its IT scopes off, if the recent developments are anything to go by.
Kozhikode has just logged on to the IT possibilities with UL Cyberpark, an initiative of the Uralungal Labour Contract Cooperative Society (ULCCS). The `270-crore initiative is touted as the first IT park in the cooperative sector in the state. The 4,82,000-sq ft building is the first Leed Gold Standard-certified IT Park in Kerala. According to Abhilash Kumar Y, CEO, UL Cyberpark, there are currently around 200 employees and the initiative is on the path of expansion.
Meanwhile, the ‘soon-to-be-inaugurated’ Government Cyber Park at Nellikode has also given much momentum to the IT dreams of the district.
A place on the IT map
“There is a great need for an IT hub in Northern Kerala, and the answer is nothing but Kozhikode. It will help prevent the drain of talents to other places. For example, an employee from northern Kerala will prefer Bengaluru to Thiruvananthapuram. So, Kozhikode has a great role and much potential as an IT hub,”says Joseph C Mathew, former IT Advisor to Government of Kerala. Joseph admits that it might take some time for Kozhikode to catch up with the pace of Tehnopark and Infopark.
“Why do companies like UST and IBS prefer to open centres in each IT cities? Because they don’t want to lose the respective local talents there. Likewise, chances are that many companies will court Kozhikode for their IT investments,” Joseph said.
Abhilash Kumar Y, CEO, UL Cyberpark, says that Kozhikode has always maintained an affinity towards trade and development.
“Kozhikode has a vibrant educational ecosystem. Knowledge industry is strong here. There are many national-level institutions like IIM and NIT. Besides, the surrounding districts also have some good education facilities- like the IIT and Government engineering college in Palakkad. Better infrastructure, rail connectivity, social environment and good living conditions coupled with medical facilities make Kozhikode preferable,” Abhilash Kumar said.
A smart city in sari
Somehow, Kozhikode has always been a bit unassuming and sombre for a city; the courtesy may go to its silent penchant for culture, cuisine and ghazal-filled nights. So, what impacts will the IT development make on the culture of Kozhikode?
Abhilash Kumar says that the growth of IT industry would not make a sea change in the culture of Kozhikode. On the other hand, it will be complementary, helping to boost the overall economy of the area.
“During a conversation, the IT Secretary told me that this government takes special initiative to nurture a good bonding between the local community and the IT community,” said Abhilash.
In the same vein, Joseph C Mathew says that it is false notion that IT industry needs an urban atmosphere.
“Take the case of Thiruvananthapuram. They are keeping their traditions intact even while wholeheartedly accepting the IT industry,” says Joseph C Mathew. He said that the development would help Kozhikode retain its local talents, mainly youths, to its heart, thereby adding new cultural dimensions to the region.