On this day in 1995, the then West Bengal Chief Minister, Jyoti Basu, set the stage for a revolution in communication in India. He placed the country’s first ever mobile call to Union Communications Minister Sukh Ram, symbolically initiating a technological era that would reshape the way Indians communicate.On July 31, 1995, the pioneering call was made using a Nokia handset, marking the advent of the mobile phone in the vast Indian market. The event was a significant milestone in India’s technological and telecommunication history, laying the groundwork for the widespread use of mobile technology in the country.
The mobile phone, a novel and high-end gadget at that time, symbolized a new wave of accessibility and connectivity. It was a powerful tool that would democratize the access to communication, gradually turning into a necessity from a luxury.The call made by Jyoti Basu represented the transformation that was about to sweep across the nation. It wasn’t just a call between two politicians; it was a message to the Indian people that a new era of communication had dawned, an era where distance would no longer be a barrier to the exchange of ideas and information.
Mobile telephony revolutionized various aspects of Indian society. It played a critical role in connecting rural and urban areas, giving millions access to services that were earlier out of their reach. It empowered small businesses, created jobs, and opened up a new world of opportunities.The Nokia handset that facilitated the first mobile call in India is now a relic of the past, but the revolution it set into motion continues to evolve. From the first generation (1G) to the current fifth generation (5G) networks, mobile technology has progressed tremendously. It has altered the dynamics of social, economic, and political landscapes, making the world more connected and integrated.
The historic call made by Jyoti Basu to Sukh Ram was a significant stride forward in India’s journey to becoming a digitally empowered society. As we celebrate the anniversary of this momentous event, we are reminded of the importance of innovation and progress, and the limitless possibilities they bring.On July 31, 1995, a new chapter was written in the history of Indian telecommunications. That day, as Jyoti Basu picked up a Nokia handset and dialed a number, he didn’t just make a call. He brought India closer to the world.
