Cover Story

The Digital Empowerment Foundation has been building a cadre of information providers, fact-checkers, myth-busters and digital service providers over the last 20 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. Read more

Beyond Boundaries: Pratap Singh’s Journey of Resilience and Community Impact in Alwar, Rajasthan

Pratap Singh, a resilient resident of Alwar, Rajasthan, has defied physical limitations to become a beacon of support for his community through his SoochnaPreneur center, established in 2019. Despite being 81% disabled in his legs and unable to walk, Pratap’s unwavering dedication and trustworthiness have earned him a special place in the hearts of the people he serves. A graduate with a commitment to service, Pratap’s center attracts customers from various demographics, including students, elderly individuals, women, youth, and working professionals. Despite the presence of alternative options, people patiently await the opening of his center, a testament to the reliability and impact he has on their lives. Read more

Breaking Barriers, Building Bridges: The Inspiring Journey of Bandana Kumari, Bihar’s Digital Champion

Bandana Kumari, a resident of Dhamaura Village in West Champaran, Bihar, has been operating a Digital Services center since 2020. Despite facing physical limitations, Bandana has shown exceptional determination to improve her own life and contribute to the betterment of her community. Her resilience and goodwill towards her work have earned her the titles of “Digital Beti” and “Digital Bahu,” symbolising the impactful role she plays in the lives of the people around her. Read more

Oracle of Opportunity: Sushma Kumari's Inspiring Journey of Service and Inclusion in Rural Jharkhand

Sushma Kumari, a 23-year-old post-graduate, operates the ‘Oracle Center,’ a SoochnaPreneur center in the Byang village of Ramgarh District in Jharkhand. Despite facing visual disability, Sushma is determined to serve her community, focusing on individuals with disabilities and the elderly. Her center, equipped with BC Sakhi and CSC ID, provides a wide range of services, including assistance in applying for Pan Card, E-Shram Card, Ayushman Card, and various financial and digital services. Read more

From Digital Divide to Digital Drive: Gorle Varalaxmi's Journey of Transformation in Visakhapatnam

Gorle Varalaxmi, a proactive leader from Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, is making significant strides in digital empowerment through her community center located at Garlivanipalem Paravada. Her focus on providing essential digital services and information has transformed the lives of the locals, predominantly comprising agricultural and daily wage earners. Read more

Empowering Communities: Mala Khatun’s SoochnaPreneur Journey in Rural West Bengal

Mala Khatun has been an integral part of the SoochnaPreneur network for the past 2 years, making a significant impact in Jhanjha Rukanpur, Murshidabad, West Bengal. Her center is a beacon of empowerment, primarily catering to the Muslim community and offering a diverse range of services encompassing digital literacy, government entitlements, and banking services through AEPS. Read more

Unveiling Rural Resilience: Kiran Kumari's Journey of Digital Innovation and Community Impact

Kiran Kumari, a resident of Brinda, Jharkhand, serves as a catalyst for rural employment and women’s empowerment through her Common Service Centre in the remote areas of Giridih. Her impactful contributions to Digital India services, including Jeevan Praman, Aadhar enrollment, Banking, Railway Ticketing, and Stree Swabhiman, have earned her recognition, including the prestigious Digital India Award in 2015 presented by the Prime Minister of India. Read more

Bridging Bridges: Parvez Alam's Smartpur Center Leading Rural Transformation

Parvez Alam plays a pivotal role in operating the Smartpur Center located in the village of Shahavpur, Barabanki, Uttar Pradesh. The center is dedicated to meeting the daily needs and facilitating the benefits of government schemes for an estimated 60,000 to 70,000 rural residents residing within a 6 km radius. Read more

Empowering Rural Rajasthan: The Decade-Long Journey of Mohammad Asik's Digital Center

Mohammad Asik has been the dedicated operator of an eMitra center in Tapukda, Khairthal, Tijara, Rajasthan, for the past decade, catering to a cluster of approximately a dozen villages and serving around 15,000 residents. His center is a hub of over 50 services encompassing e-governance, finance, health, and education. Read more

Digital Pioneer: Mustkeem Khan's Journey of Empowerment in Rural Haryana

Mustkeem Khan, a resident of Bensi village in Haryana, has been at the forefront of a digital center initiative since 2018. His comprehensive services span education, finance, and governance, benefitting approximately 40,000 individuals across several villages in the region. Armed with essential digital equipment, Mustkeem offers diverse services, ranging from basic computer courses to facilitating financial transactions. Read more

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

The workshop on “Empowerment of Communities through Rural Wireless Entrepreneurship” convened at the VSSU Campus, 24 PGS (S), West Bengal, served as a vital platform for SoochnaPreneurs from Assam and Bengal to acquire essential skills and knowledge for managing rural wireless networks. With a focus on leveraging PMWANI through Project Internet Roshni (BOLT2), the workshop aimed to bridge the digital divide and empower the Adivasi and Tea Tribe Community in targeted gardens across Assam and Bengal. 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

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. Read more

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. Read more

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. 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.

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