January, 2025
Cover Story
In today’s interconnected world, where information spreads at an unprecedented pace through digital media, the proliferation of misinformation poses a significant challenge at both international and national levels. The Digital Empowerment Foundation (DEF) is taking a resolute step this year by prioritising fact-checking as a cornerstone of its fight against this growing menace. Read more
Digital Op-Ed
This dissertation delves into the strategies employed by social enterprises to overcome resource limitations. By strategically leveraging gender parity, tapping into unconventional revenue streams (non-traditional Ricardian rents), and navigating the complexities of caste-based dynamics, these organisations demonstrate innovative resource utilisation (bricolage) to maximise social impact. This research sheds light on how social enterprises can achieve greater sustainability and effectiveness in addressing pressing social challenges.
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Stories from the Ground
Access and Infrastructure
With rural entrepreneurs stepping forward to ensure digital services reach every household, India’s digital transformation is gaining significant momentum. Some key initiatives have received strong support and reinforcement from the Digital Empowerment Foundation (DEF), helping individuals turn their aspirations into impactful realities. Read more
The Smartpur project, an initiative by the Digital Empowerment Foundation (DEF), aims to create digitally enabled and sustainable smart villages across India. By establishing centres equipped with digital infrastructure, Smartpur provides essential services such as financial transactions, education, and healthcare, transforming rural communities into hubs of self-reliance. Read more
Education and Empowerment
In the serene Nilgiri Hills, the Toda tribe’s traditions have been passed down for generations, with embroidery and tourism forming the cultural backbone of the community. Among them, Aswini Sin (22) and Abitha Sin (23) grew up steeped in this heritage. Yet, the two young women dreamt of a life that extended beyond the confines of their tranquil village. Read more
Artisans form the backbone of India’s rural non-farm economy, with handicrafts standing as the second-largest source of employment after agriculture. This industry is largely powered by women, who preserve India’s rich heritage through their craft. Among these women is Dulu Moni Kalita, a passionate social entrepreneur on a mission to amplify their voices and foster community growth. Read more
Market & Social Enterprises
In the Aisbagh village located in Jiagunj block of Murshidabad district, Sonali Das, 35-year-old woman entrepreneur was already creating beautiful jewellery for five years. Nonetheless, due to her ability and hardwork, Sonali failed to establish her business succeed because there were hardly any customers for handicrafts in her area. When she saw that both losses and hope were shrinking, she began to think of quitting her endeared passion. Read more
Ooty, a popular hill station in the Nilgiris District of Tamil Nadu, is the first choice of many tourists. This place is home to the Toda community, where Vinoda, our cluster coordinator, a part of the Toda tribe lives. Her life revolves around the traditions of her tribe, where the legacy of Toda embroidery passed from generation to generation. Read more
Governance and Citizen Services
Anokha Devi, a dedicated Soochnapreneur from Gutjora village in Khunti Block, Jharkhand, is at the forefront of addressing misinformation, exploitation, and digital illiteracy. Her village, home to around 4,000 people, relies primarily on agriculture and cattle farming. However, limited digital access and harmful traditional practices leave many, especially women and people with disabilities (PWDs), vulnerable to exploitation. Read more
In Badla village, Jharkhand, SP Indu Devi, a dedicated SoochnaPreneur, has been leading the charge to protect her community from the growing threat of cyber fraud. To combat rising cyber fraud and misinformation in rural areas, the SoochnaPreneur programme was launched to boost digital literacy and resilience. Read more
Research and Advocacy
The Requiem for Justice 2024, held from September 19 to 22 in Amsterdam, was an inspiring event where the worlds of art and advocacy converged to address global challenges in freedom of expression, cultural preservation, and justice. Organised by the Landscapes of Hope and Action for Hope networks, the event brought together 25 organisations and individuals from across the globe, creating a vibrant platform for exchange, collaboration, and solidarity. Read more
In the digital age, the rapid proliferation of technology has brought about numerous opportunities, but it has also introduced new risks, especially for individuals in rural areas with limited digital awareness. This case study focuses on Poonam, a resident of Batesra village in the Ramgarh block of Alwar district, Rajasthan. Despite being an information-savvy individual, Poonam fell victim to a sophisticated cyber fraud. Read more
Regular Features
Oral Bytes
Enabling Girls to Pursue STEM and become Rural Changemakers
Victim of Improper Treatment Changes his Destiny to Serve his Community- Iqbal Khan
Expert Says
How has DEF contributed to the data justice in India? II Osama Manzar
Digital Empowerment Foundation (DEF) champions digital inclusion and data justice in India. They bridge the digital divide, ensuring underprivileged communities access essential resources like education and healthcare. DEF advocates for responsible Aadhar usage, promoting access while safeguarding privacy. Recognizing the growing importance of data literacy, DEF empowers communities to understand their data rights and challenge exploitative practices. Through training local cadres and fostering community engagement, DEF creates a sustainable model for data justice awareness in India. Watch here
eChampion
On January 9, 2025, the Digital Empowerment Foundation (DEF) organized a key workshop on digital inclusion and emerging technologies at the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in New Delhi. The event brought together stakeholders from across sectors, focusing on strategies for digital resilience and inclusive transformation, in line with the Global Digital Compact (GDC) principles. Read more