From a Single Page to the World's Largest Biometric ID System

From a Single Page to the World's Largest Biometric ID System

Nandan Nilekani, co-founder of Infosys, embarked on a remarkable journey when he was tasked with creating Aadhaar, the world's largest biometric ID system. With just a single-page directive stating "Give every Indian a unique ID," Nilekani faced a daunting challenge.

Undeterred by the lack of detailed instructions, Nilekani brought together government officials and Silicon Valley experts, blending his entrepreneurial spirit with the government project. He emphasized the importance of empowering others, stating that "making other people effective and motivated is a huge part of success." This collaborative approach proved crucial in achieving the ambitious target of 600 million unique IDs within a month of starting the initiative.

Nilekani's success stemmed from his curiosity and focus on solving human-centered problems. He believed that the future lies in uniquely human qualities like empathy, compassion, and connecting the dots. This philosophy continues to guide him in his latest project, EkStep, which aims to improve literacy for 200 million children.

Nilekani's journey demonstrates the power of asking the right questions and empowering others to pursue ambitious goals. It is a testament to the transformative potential of technology when used to address societal challenges.