The Digital Empowerment Foundation has been building a cadre of information providers, fact-checkers, myth-busters and digital service providers over the last 22 years to empower rural and under-served communities across India. This has been done through DEF’s flagship program SoochnaPreneur. The SoochnaPreneur program has now reached 10,000 villages through 2,000 SoochnaPreneurs across 26 states in India.

Social entrepreneurship can commonly be defined as “entrepreneurial activity with an embedded social purpose”. The concept has thus become a large umbrella encompassing activities and processes to enhance social wealth. So SoochnaPreneurs act as change makers in the social sector and it also gives them the opportunity to earn money in the pursuit of social change. Our SoochnaPreneurs (Information Entrepreneurs) have been developing the digital ecosystem and enabling community members with access to rights and rights to access. They have been steering the process of empowerment, incubating entrepreneurial abilities  and bridging the digital divide gap to make digital access available to the last mile rural beneficiaries. The festival brought together a diverse group of digital changemakers from rural communities, alongside experts in the field of digital technology, digital development, digital artisan development, and ICT professionals. It was a celebration of the remarkable contributions from rural India, highlighting their digital expertise, digital entrepreneurship, and promoting inclusive growth for digital empowerment.

The festival commenced with a welcome address by Osama Manzar (Founder-Director, Digital Empowerment Foundation) and Sri Kapilananda Mondal (Founder-Secretary, Vivekananda Sevakendra-O-Sishu Uddyan), an odyssey into the heart of grassroots transformation and digital empowerment through the SoochnaPreneur entrepreneurial model. At ReDEF 2024, we had the honor of bringing together the incredible individuals who embody our organisations pillars- our dedicated supporters, governing body members, philanthropy community members, and the vibrant community we serve. Gathered under one roof, we shared not just a space, but a collective vision and commitment to serving the unconnected with excellence. It was a moment of gratitude and inspiration as we exchanged ideas, insights, and strategies to further our mission.

Highlights of ReDEF 2024

→ Unlocking India’s Digital Potential: The CSC Framework and Grassroots Empowerment
Dinesh Tyagi, former Managing Director at CSC eGovernance, joined us at the Rural Entrepreneurship and Digital Empowerment Fest 2024, underscoring the significance of the CSC framework in India’s digital advancement. Read more

→ Access to Rights, Rights to Access: The Soochna Sootradhar Ecosystem
Osama Manzar led a workshop emphasising digital integration in rural development and entrepreneurship as pivotal to national progress. He highlighted digital tools, centers, and information agents as grassroots catalysts for combating information poverty. Read more

→ Bridging the Digital Divide: Democratising Innovation and Grassroot Creativity
Professor Anil Gupta, addressing 2000 digital leaders celebrating grassroots creativity and innovation, highlighted a pivotal shift from traditional knowledge systems that perpetuate marginalisation. Read more

→ SoochnaPreneur Awards Ceremony 2023-24
The SoochnaPreneur Award 2023-24, honored and recognised those individuals that have showcased exemplary work at the grassroots level for leading positive transformation and digital innovation, intervention and empowerment in the rural communities of the country. Read more

→ Book Launch of Women (Un)Connected: Stories of Empowerment
“Women (Un)Connected: Stories of Empowerment” serves as a vibrant repository of intricately weaving together the compelling narratives of remarkable women from both India and America. Beyond mere geographical boundaries, the book fosters connections between diverse backgrounds, showcasing tales of empowerment, leadership, and entrepreneurship. Born from the CAMP GOAL Project of the Digital Empowerment Foundation, it stands as a testament to the transformative power of connectivity in the digital age. Launched amidst esteemed figures such as Shalini Kala (Rural Development and Agriculture Specialist), Matthew Cherian (CEO, HelpAge India), Kumar Sambhav (India Lead, Digital Wellness Lab), Madanmohan Rao (Research Director, Your Story), and Jyotsna Sitling (1st Female Tribal IFS), the book amplified voices, celebrated achievements, and inspired future digital leaders at the Rural Entrepreneurship and Digital Empowerment Fest 2024. Read more

→ Book Launch of From Bytes to Rights: 22 Years of Digital Entrepreneurship and Inclusion in Rural India
“From Bytes to Rights: 22 Years of Digital Entrepreneurship and Inclusion in Rural India” was launched at the Rural Entrepreneurship and Digital Empowerment Fest 2024, by dignitaries such as Shalini Kala, Matthew Cherian, Kumar Sambhav, Madanmohan Rao, and Jyotsna Sitling. Authored to commemorate the exceptional endeavors of digital changemakers recognised at the SoochnaPreneur Awards 2023-24, the book serves as a tribute to their transformative journey and unwavering dedication. It celebrates the remarkable achievements of these digital entrepreneurs, showcasing their profound contributions to the digital empowerment and upliftment of marginalized communities. “From Bytes to Rights” stands as a testament to their commitment, inspiring further strides towards inclusive digital progress, community by community. Read more

→ Book Launch of India’s Million Missions: 75 Years of Service Toward Nation-Building
“India’s Million Missions: 75 Years of Service Toward Nation-Building” was unveiled amidst acclaim at the Rural Entrepreneurship and Digital Empowerment Fest 2024. Crafted by a coalition of civil society members, the book illuminates the profound impact of civil society over seven and a half decades of Independence. This research summary offers an insightful introduction to the study, encapsulating key findings and recommendations. Complementing the main report, it provides a glimpse into the extensive contributions and societal transformations driven by civil society. For a deeper understanding, additional insights shared during the release are accessible on the dedicated website accompanying the report. The book was launched by a panel of experts including Shalini Kala (Rural Development and Agriculture Specialist), Matthew Cherian (CEO, HelpAge India), Kumar Sambhav (India Lead, Digital Wellness Lab), Madanmohan Rao (Research Director, Your Story), and Jyotsna Sitling (1st Female Tribal IFS).

→ Weavers and Artisans in Digital Space
The workshop commenced by tracing the digital journey of Chanderi, highlighting the pivotal steps taken to embrace digital platforms. Initially, efforts were directed towards establishing an online presence through dedicated websites and digital marketplaces. These platforms served as virtual storefronts, showcasing the exquisite designs, intricate patterns, and cultural significance of Chanderi’s handloom products to a global audience. Read more

→ A Guide to the SoochnaPreneur Model: Empowering Communities through Information
Facilitated by Mr. Abhinav Pandey and Mr. Shyam Sunder, a recent session on the SoochnaPreneur Model provided valuable insights into the crucial role played by SoochnaPreneurs in community development. Attended by over 80 participants, the workshop aimed to delve into the intricacies of the SoochnaPreneur role and their vital contributions to their communities. Read more

→ Navigating Social Media Data Hygiene and Misinformation: Insights from Digital Wellness Lab
Facilitated by Mr. Pallab and Mr. Kumar Sambhav from Digital Wellness Lab (DWL), a recent workshop gathered approximately 35 participants to delve into the evolving threats of misinformation, scams, and deep fakes in the digital realm. The session provided valuable insights into these challenges and explored potential solutions to safeguard communities from the harmful effects of misinformation. Read more

→ Empowering Self in the Digital Age: Navigating Social Media-induced Fear and Identity Crises.
The workshop, led by Shobitha Kedlaya, was attended by a significant audience of over 100 participants. The interactive session centered around the pervasive influence of smartphones and social media on individuals’ sense of identity and the emergence of fear in digital spaces. Read more

→ Creating Leaders through Grassroot Journalism; Community Video as a Vehicle for Change
The workshop, co-facilitated by Mr. Nitesh Bhardwaj from Adiwasi Janjagruti and Ms. Anu of Video Volunteers, brought together over 50 participants to explore the transformative potential of community journalism in fostering grassroots leadership. The session focused on leveraging digital tools, to empower individuals to address community issues and amplify their voices on broader platforms. Read more

→ Demystifying Taxes: Insights from a Finance and Accounting Workshop
Attracting a diverse audience of over 80 participants eager to gain insights into taxes and income tax returns (ITR), the Finance and Accounting workshop led by Mr. Sajju Kr. Singh and Mr. Dinesh Kumar provided a comprehensive overview of different types of taxes, the rationale behind tax deductions, and the importance of filing income tax returns. Read more

→ Empowering Women Infopreneurs: Tackling Misinformation & Online Threats
At the forefront of the digital age, where information inundated our screens and permeates our lives, the battle against misinformation and online threats has never been more crucial. Recognizing this imperative, a workshop titled “Tackling Misinformation & Online Threats” was recently conducted at #REDEF2024, aimed at empowering women infopreneurs to navigate the murky waters of digital deception with resilience and discernment. Read more

→ Empowerment of Communities through Rural Wireless Entrepreneurship
At the forefront of the digital age, where information inundated our screens and permeates our lives, the battle against misinformation and online threats has never been more crucial. Recognizing this imperative, a workshop titled “Tackling Misinformation & Online Threats” was recently conducted at #REDEF2024, aimed at empowering women infopreneurs to navigate the murky waters of digital deception with resilience and discernment. Read more

→ Empowering Rural Communities: The Smartpur Initiative
In an increasingly digitised world, the concept of smart villages has emerged as a beacon of hope, promising to bridge the digital divide and empower rural communities. Smartpur, a pioneering model, challenges conventional notions by emphasising not just access to digital tools and Internet connectivity, but the integration and optimal utilisation of these resources for holistic development. This essay delves into the transformative journey of Smartpur, highlighting its innovative approach to rural digital entrepreneurship and its profound impact on community empowerment. Read more

→ Empowering Rural Women Entrepreneurs: Creating an Inclusive Future
In the pursuit of creating a more inclusive future, the workshop titled “Create Women Entrepreneurs for an Inclusive Future” served as a pivotal platform for SoochnaPreneur Business Mitras (SBMs) from Assam and West Bengal. The aim was clear: to delve deep into the concept of Digital Rural Women Entrepreneurs (DRWEs) and to equip participants with the knowledge and skills necessary to champion the cause of rural women entrepreneurship. Read more

Goutam Das Baul and Swapan Das Bairagya, the renowned Baul artists hailing from Bolpur, West Bengal performed at the Rural Entrepreneurship and Digital Empowerment Fest on March 3rd, 2024, at Vivekananda Sevakendra-O-Sishu Uddyan (VSSU)

Madhura Ghane also known as Mahi G, whose debut track ‘Jungle Cha Raja’ is just the beginning of her journey towards spreading positive messages through music, while Rapboss Ajit Shelke’s compositions shed light on the challenges faced by farmers, proving that rap is more than just music—it’s a voice for change. They performed together at ReDEF ‘24!

Riaz Ahmed, Arghadeep Barua, and Rupankar teamed up for the first time to amplify the inspiring vision of Studio Nilima at the Rural Entrepreneurship and Digital Empowerment Fest.