Digital Swaraj Fellowship: Revisiting the Journey of DEF’s Flagship Programme
The Digital Swaraj Fellowship is a well-conceived program that applies the philosophy of Swaraj (meaning ‘self-governance’) to digital innovation in a democracy. It draws inspiration from Gandhi’s principles and integrates them with the ideals of constitutional democracy, exploring how technology can be embedded into societal processes.
The fellowship’s architecture is built in a way that allows fellows to have an in-depth experience in understanding how digital technologies impact society and how they transcend lives and the socio-cultural relations of people. The fellowship is designed to encourage fellows to explore whether digital integration is a top-down or bottom-up approach, what transformations are necessary in the digital landscape, whether digital tools and facilities are accessible for all, is there a gendered approach and ethos centric to how digital is available.
Drawing on the Digital Empowerment Foundation’s 22 years of grassroots work, the fellowship was created to immerse fellows in community-based digital empowerment. The foundation’s experience spans over 2000 locations, including marginalized, Adivasi, tribal, indigenous, geographically remote, minority, and Dalit communities. It has worked across various sectors including health, farming, arts, and the informal sector.
The fellowship is designed to create a bricolage methodology, focusing on women as leaders in bringing digital technologies to their communities. Fellows have access to the foundation’s extensive policy intervention work, adding another dimension to their learning experience.
What sets this fellowship apart is its hands-on and practical approach. It also utilizes knowledge resources and curriculum, which enables fellows to present their work through research, presentations and sharing circles. The whole fellowship lasts for a year and is action-packed research to gain a comprehensive understanding of the digital impact on ton the Indian communities and nitty-gritty within society.
With the first cohort of fellows, leading successfully with flying colours and making strides in their respective fields; the fellowship is now entering its second year and doubling the number of participants. The program aims to produce fellows who can work with communities, government bodies, CSR initiatives, and civil society organizations to contribute to India’s development.
The Digital Swaraj Fellowship represents an opportunity for individuals to become well-versed in the practical applications and societal impacts of digital technologies across India, combining theoretical knowledge with real-world experience.
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