Life took an unexpected turn for Dasari Chandrakala when a tragic accident forced her to leave her job at a bank. What followed was a period of immense hardship. With both she and her husband living with physical disabilities, the family struggled to make ends meet, relying solely on their pensions for survival.
“I was not aware of digital services like PAN card downloads, Ayushman Bharat health card creation, or online documentation services earlier,” Chandrakala recalls. At the time, access to such services felt distant and out of reach—not just for her, but for many in her community.
Everything began to change when she joined the Digital Empowerment Foundation. With guidance and support, including encouragement from Padma Madam, Chandrakala set up her own digital service center in Devender Nagar, Uppal. What started as a small step soon became a powerful turning point in her life.
Equipped with new digital skills, she began offering basic services such as xerox and printing, gradually expanding to PAN card assistance and document downloads. Today, her centre provides a range of essential services, including Aadhaar and ration card downloads, printing, and support for government schemes. She has already facilitated the creation of 12 Ayushman Bharat health cards and conducted digital literacy and financial awareness sessions for 30 community members.
Her work has brought vital services closer to people who previously had to travel long distances or navigate complex systems on their own. More importantly, it has built trust—positioning Chandrakala as a reliable digital enabler within her community.
A resident of Devender Nagar in Medchal-Malkajgiri district, Telangana, Chandrakala’s journey is a testament to resilience and determination. Despite physical and financial challenges, she has not only rebuilt her own life but also created pathways for others to access essential services with ease.
“This opportunity has helped me become self-reliant and support my family with dignity,” she shares with quiet strength.
Chandrakala’s story reflects the broader impact of digital empowerment—where individuals, even in the face of adversity, can become agents of change. By enabling access at the grassroots level, such initiatives are not only bridging the digital divide but also fostering independence, inclusion, and community development.