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An engineer, a trained rock climber, a mountaineer, and a CTO – Pramod Varma is a multi-talented individual. He has played a key role in the development of several important technological platforms in India, such as Aadhaar, Unified Payment Interface (UPI), eSign, Digital Locker, and Data Empowerment and Protection Architecture (DEPA). Currently, he serves as the CTO of EkStep Foundation, a non-profit organization in the education sector that has contributed to the creation of DIKSHA, an online learning platform used by around 200 million students across Indian schools.

Furthermore, Varma has also made significant contributions to the development of the open source Beckn protocol. This protocol facilitates the creation of decentralized networks for discovery, fulfillment, and transactions. It serves as the foundation for the upcoming Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC), which aims to be the UPI of e-commerce in India.

Varma’s impressive educational background includes an MSc in Applied Mathematics, as well as an MTech and PhD in computer science. In his spare time, he is also a talented painter, tracing his lineage back to the renowned painter Raja Ravi Varma.

Now, Varma is shifting his focus towards tackling “wicked problems” with scalable solutions. In an interview with indianexpress.com, he discusses his passion for Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI), the work of EkStep Foundation in revolutionizing education and skilling in India, and the India-centric solutions provided by digital public goods.

One major problem that Varma believes can be addressed through DPI is climate change. He emphasizes the importance of leveraging technology and the DPI approach to drive climate mitigation and energy transition. He highlights the need for market innovation and inclusion in order to address this issue effectively. Specifically, he suggests the development of a Unified Energy Interface and an UPI for EV charging to promote interoperability and seamless usage of electric vehicles and renewable energy sources.

Additionally, Varma believes that DPI goods can also play a major role in solving other societal problems. He mentions access to healthcare in rural and semi-urban areas as a significant challenge in India. He envisions the development of digital solutions, such as a “clinic in a box,” to provide primary healthcare services without the physical presence of doctors. The Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM) is an example of an initiative working towards this goal by creating an integrated digital health infrastructure for the country.

Varma describes the concept of “societal thinking” as a way to use tech at scale for solving social problems. It involves breaking down complex problems into modular solutions, leveraging ecosystem players, and building interoperable and scalable infrastructure and products. He also emphasizes the importance of open-source approaches in this context.

When asked about the potential impact of building Digital Public Infrastructure and digital public goods globally, Varma sees it as an opportunity for Indian software engineers similar to the Y2K period. He believes that if India takes a pole position in developing protocols, platforms, and products, there will be a demand for Indian expertise and solutions worldwide. This could lead to job opportunities and other economic advantages for India.

Varma provides insights into the Beckn Protocol, a set of specifications and standards that enable the creation of decentralized networks. He shares that this protocol has been used to develop the Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC). Varma acknowledges that it takes time for all stakeholders to understand and align themselves with the system, drawing a parallel with the maturation and scaling of UPI over the years.

Varma also discusses his experience with Open Mobility Networks, specifically in Kochi. This initiative aims to provide seamless multimodal mobility for citizens by promoting interoperability between different mobility service providers, including public and private transport agencies. He highlights the success of the pilot project and mentions the Namma Yatri app, which utilizes the Beckn Protocol and has gained popularity in Bengaluru.

Finally, Varma provides insight into the projects undertaken by EkStep Foundation, including DIKSHA, Mission Karmayogi, and DIVOC. These projects focus on foundational learning and skilling for students in India, with an emphasis on play-based models to promote literacy and numeracy on a large scale. The foundation has also prioritized diversity and autonomy in its approach to cater to the needs of different regions and stakeholders.

In summary, Pramod Varma’s expertise and contributions in the field of technology and education in India are significant. Through his work at EkStep Foundation and his involvement in the development of the Beckn Protocol, he is spearheading efforts to address complex societal problems and create scalable solutions. The use of Digital Public Infrastructure and digital public goods plays a crucial role in driving innovation and inclusion in various sectors, from climate change to healthcare and mobility. Varma’s holistic approach and focus on open-source practices are critical to achieving these goals and benefiting not just India but also the global community.

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