Ending Soon! Save 33% on All Access

Zuckerberg talks about growth opportunities in India due to the ever-increasing internet usage in the country Mark Zuckerberg's visit inspires the new generation of future entrepreneurs

By Priyannkaa Dey

Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

You're reading Entrepreneur India, an international franchise of Entrepreneur Media.

Reuters | Robert Galbraith
Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg

Terming connectivity as a tool for removing poverty, Mark Zuckerberg made some thought-provoking statements during his discussion with students and guests at IIT Delhi. Social networking giant Facebook's CEO emphasized on the importance and huge role that India will play in connecting the next billion people to the internet.

India is a very crucial market for Facebook according to Zuckerberg and he believes that to bring connectivity to the whole world, first India needs to be connected. He also praised the energy prevalent in the country.

"More than 130 million people use Facebook in India. I'm looking forward to hearing directly from one of our most active and engaged communities," Zuckerberg wrote on Facebook.

Zuckerberg was happy to answer questions by students and professionals. He emphasized on Facebook's role in educating the world. Moreover, net neutrality and the importance of internet connectivity for everyone was a popular topic and further inspired the youth to realize the power of internet for fulfilling their dreams.

"For every 10 people that get access to internet, one job is created and one person is lifted out of poverty. We want to get the next billion people online & that's why I am so excited to be in India," he said.

He discussed how Internet.org will improve net neutrality and zero-rated products will help everyone, from a fisherman to a student, in enhancing lives. The next generation was also enthusiastic in knowing how to build a strong company and Zuckerberg gladly explained.

Furthermore, Zuckerberg mentioned about building computers that have basic senses better than humans. Facebook wants to make artificial intelligence popular in the next five to ten years. He also talked about online education and how a huge educational databank can be accessed via internet.

Many people in various parts of the world don't have access to schools so online resources will be a blessing in disguise for them. In fact, he plans to build unique type of schools in Africa and hopes to invest regarding the same in India too.

Zuckerberg explained about establishing a successful startup and how an ideal company is built with care; long term thinking, planning and focus. It is not build in one moment or by one person alone. It is imperative to focus on your idea and things you want to change to build something as big as Facebook.

In the recent past, Facebook's 'Free Basics' initiative has been facing strong disparagement from all quarters because it is believed that it might go against net neutrality.

Zuckerberg's visit follows a month after Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Zuckerberg at the company's headquarters. Modi had highlighted the power of social media for good governance and how it can be helpful in making campaigns like 'Make in India' successful.

Priyannkaa Dey

Sr Sub-Editor, Entrepreneur India

With around five years of editorial and writing experience from magazines such as ‘DataQuest’, ‘Leisure & Resorts’, ‘Voice&Data’; Priyanka has also worked in the digital communication department of organizations like ‘Brentwoods’; ‘n & n Chopra Consultants Pvt. Ltd’ and ‘Delhi Public School Greater Faridabad’. Her interests include blog reading and writing. The author is a senior sub-editor at 'Entrepreneur Online' and has completed her studies from Jamia Millia Islamia.

Business News

Now that OpenAI's Superalignment Team Has Been Disbanded, Who's Preventing AI from Going Rogue?

We spoke to an AI expert who says safety and innovation are not separate things that must be balanced; they go hand in hand.

Business News

Scarlett Johansson 'Shocked' That OpenAI Used a Voice 'So Eerily Similar' to Hers After Already Telling the Company 'No'

Johansson asked OpenAI how they created the AI voice that her "closest friends and news outlets could not tell the difference."

Cryptocurrency / Blockchain

The 50 Richest People in Crypto

The richest cryptocurrency holders.

Side Hustle

The Side Hustle He Started at Age 15 Led to a $4 Billion Boon for Small Businesses: 'They Would Take a Chance on Me With Their Hard-Earned Money'

Nic Beique asked his local barber, gym and more if they'd like him to build a website for their businesses.

Franchise

What Franchising Can Teach The NFL About The Impact of Private Equity

The NFL is smart to take a thoughtful approach before approving institutional capital's investment in teams.