People Centric Smart Cities

¹ MIT-ADT University, Pune, India 412201
² CGP, 1302, AH, SVR, A(W), Mumbai, India 400058

^* Corresponding author: mukta.deshpande@mituniversity.edu.in

Abstract

Smart Cities Project is been undertaken in mission mode by the Government of India. The endeavor is to plan and build / rebuild pollution free, eco friendly living spaces with the efficient means of Transportation, Communication, Governance, Health Services and other civic requirements. There is also an emphasis on giving identity to these cities based on its main economic activity. The aspects of peaceful and happy living with regard to values and universal common good of mankind does not come out clearly in the definition and other mission statements. This paper endeavors to highlight the importance of the Culture and Spirituality in creating the cities that will promote Peace, Harmony, Happiness and the Virtue of co-existence amongst the dwellers in keeping with the rich traditions and value systems inherited from the glorious past. It is emphasized that the Smart City be given the identity which is representative of its character, culture and the unique value that it offers. The quest to build smart cities from the standpoint of enhanced economic activity and operational efficiency with the use of High-end integrated technologies for automation, Artificial Intelligence and Internet of Things the importance of “Culture” as bedrock of “Smartness” has been subdued. It is proposed that the richness of Culture, strength of Spirituality and importance of Identity based on values and character be emphasized in planning and building smart cities. A framework to assess the contribution of a People Centered Smart City in its role as “Culture Transmitter” in influencing the growth, sustainability and wellbeing of inhabitants is also presented.