The 12th edition of the Digital Transformation Conclave & Awards, 2023 held in Leh on November 24.

The conclave was organised by GovConnect and iLounge Media Private Limited in collaboration with the IT Department of UT Ladakh, led by IT Secretary Amit Sharma. It is a maiden mega-scale event in Ladakh since its formation wherein more than 20 states/UTs participated. Lieutenant Governor Brig (Dr) B.D Mishra (Retd) graced the occasion as Chief Guest and Advisor, Dr Pawan Kotwal as the Guest of Honour.
 
During the inaugural Digital Transformation Conclave in Ladakh, a diverse audience, including government officers/officials from Tamil Nadu, Bihar, Karnataka, Himachal Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, industry experts, and technology enthusiasts were present. The gathering aimed to delve into the latest trends, challenges, and success stories in the digital realm. Additionally, it sheds light on the unique challenges faced by the public sector in embracing digital technologies for enhanced governance, service delivery, and citizen engagement.
 
Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, Brig (Dr) BD Mishra (Retd) emphasised Ladakh's rapid progress in digital transformation. He highlighted the importance of digital sovereignty for national defense, stressing towards creation of total autonomy in the IT domain. Mishra acknowledged the significant contributions to the conclave, citing examples like digital transactions and income tax digitization.
 
MP Ladakh, Jamyang Tsering Namgial, emphasised work ethics and Ladakh's potential contribution to India's five trillion-dollar economy. He underscored the importance of connectivity and financial literacy, highlighting the positive impact of Ayushman Bharat in remote areas. He emphasized the crucial role of digital transformation in promoting connectivity and financial inclusivity in border areas.
 
Advisor Dr. Pawan Kotwal showcased Ladakh's potential in AI strength, advanced technology, and economic growth. Kotwal underlined the region's vastness, low population density, and clean atmosphere, calling for increased tourism and GDP contribution through high-tech computer and industrial policies.
 
Earlier, Secretary, IT Ladakh Amit Sharma, in his welcome address, expressed his gratitude to the contributors of digital initiatives. Acknowledging progress in e-Governance, smart classes, and responsive tourism, he emphasized the transformative power of technology. Sharma highlighted ongoing efforts to enhance connectivity, promote environmental well-being, and improve healthcare. Emphasizing public participation, he urged for collective contributions from the August gathering towards ongoing UT Ladakh's progress.

The Conclave featured presentations by industry experts who covered the topics on Smart Display Solutions: Transforming Government by Susheel Bhat (Samsung), overcome challenges of Digital Transformation using Zero Trust Technology by Gagandeep Nanda (Zscaler), Securing Digital Transformation: Evolution of SOC by Mukul Kulshrestha (Inspira Enterprise), etc. It also comprised a series of insightful panel discussions, each shedding light on crucial aspects of e-governance and digital transformation initiatives. 

Panel discussions on various topics, strategies, challenges, and opportunities were held. 

The conclave concluded with the felicitation of great initiatives taken in the IT domain all across the nation after a Cultural evening in this Digital Transformation Conclave Awards 2023 wherein Advisor Ladakh Dr. Pawan Kotwal did the honors to the Award Winners.