As many as 60 people participated in a day-long programme called Beti Padhao, Beti Bachao that was organised by DEF in Sonapur village, Dimoria block of Assam. In this village alone, DEF has provided training in digital literacy to more than 5,000 people and digitally enabled thousands of others through other services. DEF Programme Coordinator in Assam Himan Kalita spoke to community members on this occasion about the role of women in shaping a society and raised awareness about the need to educate girl child for an equal, just and compassionate world.
Citing the examples of my physicist Marie Curie, freedom fighter Sarojini Naidu, ruler Rani Lakhshmi Bai, singer Lata Mangeshkar and astronaut Sunita Williams, Kalita said, “If women are given the right opportunities, they can conquer the world.” He added that lack of education for girls has been defaming the society even in this 21st century even though there are various government programmes that encourage girl child education. Echoing Mahatma Gandhi’s words, he said, “If you want change, you have to be the change”.
Meanwhile, centre trainer Lipika Dey took the opportunity to talk to people about cashless transactions through credit cards, bank transfers, cheques and mobile wallets. She even demonstrated the use of Paytm to community members.