Empowering others to embark on their own journeys in the blockchain space became a personal mission.
This is an exclusive article series conducted by the Editor Team of CIO News with Kamlesh nagware Chief Technology Officer at Snapper Future Tech.
In today’s digital age, the role of technology leaders extends far beyond just driving innovation. It’s about empowering the next generation, fostering digital literacy, and making a lasting impact on society. In this blog, I’d like to share my journey as a technology leader and my commitment to youth digital empowerment.
The Early Years: Every journey has a starting point, and mine was no different. I began my career in technology with a passion for innovation and a desire to create positive change. Little did I know that this drive would eventually lead me to a path focused on empowering young minds.
The Evolution of Technology: As a technology leader, I’ve witnessed the rapid evolution of the tech landscape. From the early days of the internet to the current era of AI and blockchain, I’ve always embraced change as an opportunity for growth and impact.
Youth Digital Empowerment: One of the most fulfilling aspects of my professional journey has been my involvement in youth digital empowerment initiatives. I believe that the future belongs to the youth, and it’s our responsibility to equip them with the knowledge and skills needed to thrive in the digital world.
My blockchain journey started when I was part of IBM India during 2016–18 and then worked with Snapper Future Tech as CTO. It is a great privilege to be among the top 30 influencers of blockchain in India, leading the Hyperledger India community as a co-chair and a member of the Hyperledger Technical Steering Committee (during 2021-22). Also, blockchain mentor at APIARY Blockchain COE, which is STPI & MEITY (Govt. of India), and advisor to Web3, tokenization, and CBDC start-ups globally. The blockchain community is rapidly growing in India, with an increasing number of people interested in the potential of decentralised technologies and the Internet of Value. Polygon is an India-grown Web3 infrastructure company focusing on a Layer 2 scaling solution for Ethereum that aims to provide faster and cheaper transactions with a higher degree of scalability. The Hyperledger India Chapter is responsible for growing the Hyperledger Foundation community in India, promoting contributions to Hyperledger projects, and providing a platform for collaboration, mentoring, and support. Every blockchain protocol looking at India to setup a blockchain community, In recent times, Algorand, Polkadot, and Layer1X have started an India-centric approach.
The journey from a curious observer to a proficient blockchain technologist was not without its challenges. I embarked on a relentless quest for knowledge, devouring books and online courses and engaging with fellow enthusiasts in forums and meetups. The learning curve was steep, but the fascination with blockchain kept me pushing forward.
One crucial realisation was that blockchain was not just about Bitcoin; it was an entire ecosystem. Ethereum, with its introduction of smart contracts, expanded the scope of blockchain technology beyond digital currencies. It became evident that blockchain had the potential to revolutionise numerous industries, from finance to supply chain management.
As I deepened my involvement in the blockchain space, I encountered my fair share of challenges. Technical hurdles, such as understanding the intricacies of consensus algorithms or developing secure smart contracts, were formidable obstacles. However, the blockchain community was a wellspring of knowledge and support. Collaboration and knowledge sharing were deeply ingrained in the culture of this emerging ecosystem.
Non-technical challenges also loomed large. The regulatory landscape surrounding blockchain and cryptocurrencies is uncertain and often contentious. Overcoming scepticism and misconceptions about blockchain requires effective communication and advocacy. It became clear that being a technology leader in this field meant not only mastering the technology but also navigating the ever-changing external environment.
As a leader in software development and IT services, India’s young talent pool has a tremendous opportunity to explore careers and entrepreneurial ventures in blockchain and decentralised ledger technologies (DLT). As per the NASSCOM report, India is home to 450+ Web3 startups with a $1.3 billion investment in the last 2 years. Between 2021 and 2022 alone, India registered more than 170 new Web3 start-ups, yielding over 50% CAGR growth since 2015, according to the study. 11% of the Web3 talent is in India, making India the 3rd biggest talent pool in the Web3. This pool is growing at the fastest rate worldwide, at 120% likely in the next 1-2 years.
As a technology leader committed to youth digital empowerment, my journey is an ongoing one. I look forward to continuing my work in this field, adapting to new technological advancements, and inspiring even more young minds to shape the digital future. My journey as a technology leader has been both rewarding and transformative. It’s not just about the technology; it’s about the people we empower and the positive change we create. I’m excited to see what the future holds as we work together to pave the way for the next generation of digital leaders.
Becoming a technology leader in the blockchain space demanded more than technical expertise—it required leadership qualities that could guide teams and projects towards meaningful contributions. Collaboration, adaptability, and the ability to inspire innovation were essential traits.
One of the most rewarding aspects of leadership in the blockchain space was the opportunity to work on groundbreaking projects. From building decentralised applications (DApps) that could disrupt traditional industries to contributing to open-source blockchain protocols, every project was a chance to shape the future. The decentralised nature of blockchain meant that these projects were often global collaborations, bringing together talented individuals from diverse backgrounds.
Empowering others to embark on their own journeys in the blockchain space became a personal mission. Mentorship and education were crucial tools in fostering the growth of the blockchain community. Hosting workshops, speaking at conferences, and collaborating on educational initiatives allowed me to share my knowledge and experiences.
The blockchain community, in many ways, resembled the technology it was built upon—decentralized, open, and driven by collaboration. This ethos of cooperation and knowledge sharing was essential to empowering newcomers and ensuring the continued growth of technology.
As I look to the future, I see boundless opportunities for blockchain technology. Its potential to disrupt existing industries, create new economic models, and empower individuals is as promising as ever. Decentralised finance, non-fungible tokens (NFTs), and blockchain-based identity solutions are just a glimpse of what lies ahead.
My personal journey as a technology leader in blockchain has been a testament to the transformative power of this technology. It has reshaped industries, challenged the status quo, and offered a glimpse into a more decentralised and equitable future.
In closing, I am reminded of the words of Arthur C. Clarke: “Any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic.” Blockchain, with its capacity to create trust, transparency, and innovation, is indeed a form of technological magic. My journey as a technology leader in blockchain has been a quest to harness that magic and empower the future.
Empowering the future through block-chain is not a solitary endeavour; it is a collective journey of visionaries, innovators, and enthusiasts. As you embark on your own path in this dynamic field, remember that the blockchain community is supportive and collaborative. Together, we can shape a future that is more decentralised, transparent, and equitable for all.
Also read: Trends of the latest technologies
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