May, 2026
Editor's Note
As digital technologies continue to shape economies, governance systems, livelihoods, and everyday life, an important question remains at the heart of our collective journey: who truly benefits from digital transformation, and who continues to remain at its margins? Read more
Digital Op-Ed
The article discusses the concept of interoperability within Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI), explaining how different digital systems and platforms can seamlessly communicate and work with one another. It argues that DPI is not only about creating digital tools such as identity systems, payment platforms, or public service portals, but also about ensuring that these systems are interconnected rather than functioning in isolation. Through interoperability, citizens can access services more efficiently without repeatedly sharing the same information across different platforms. The article highlights how shared standards, open protocols, and coordinated digital ecosystems can improve governance, inclusion, and service delivery at scale.
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Stories from the Ground
Access and Infrastructure
“I have always been passionate about educating myself and the children of my community. The tuition centre I run at home not only serves as a place of study, but also where I regularly interact with parents and varied community members. The interactions encouraged me to expand my horizons and serve the community holistically. This centre became the natural extension of my service to the community!” shares Girja Kushwah with quiet pride. Read more
Education and Empowerment
“Education has always been close to my heart, and being able to contribute to my community through it gives me a deep sense of purpose,” shares SoochnaPreneur Nagendra Chaturvedi. Nagendra Chaturvedi, from Umri in Madhya Pradesh, has been associated with the Digital Empowerment Foundation since 2014 and has worked extensively on grassroots initiatives related to livelihoods, watershed development, and financial inclusion in collaboration with NABARD and NRLM. Read more
Market & Social Enterprises
In the Majlishbag area of Malda district, West Bengal, Sampa Mahali is steadily building a stronger future for herself and her family through her bamboo handicraft enterprise. What was once a small livelihood activity rooted in traditional craftsmanship is now evolving into a growing social enterprise, supported by digital learning and entrepreneurship development under the UDYAMINI Program implemented by the Digital Empowerment Foundation. Read more
Governance and Citizen Services
“Receiving the Artisan Card has given us a new identity and confidence. Earlier, we were making jute products but had no formal recognition. Now we can access government schemes, trainings, and bigger market opportunities. This support has encouraged us to dream bigger for our future,” shares a Rural Woman Entrepreneur from the Herampur Jute Cluster in Murshidabad. Read more
Research and Advocacy
As artificial intelligence, cloud technologies, and digital economies continue to expand rapidly across the world, the physical infrastructure powering these systems often remains invisible in mainstream conversations. Behind every digital service lies a growing network of data centers that require vast amounts of land, water, energy, and resources. While these developments are frequently associated with innovation and economic growth, their impact on local communities and ecosystems is rarely examined closely. In response to this growing gap, the Digital Empowerment Foundation (DEF), with the support of the Association for Progressive Communications (APC) and knowledge partners Commons Collective and the AI & Planetary Justice Alliance... Read more
World Telecommunication and Information Society Day 2026
As part of the observance of World Telecommunication and Information Society Day (WTISD) 2026, a multi-stakeholder dialogue is being convened to reflect on the evolving journey of telecommunications and the internet, and their profound impact on societies across the world. At a time when digital technologies increasingly shape economies, governance systems, education, healthcare, livelihoods, and everyday social interactions, the dialogue seeks to critically examine whether the digital revolution has truly led to greater inclusion and empowerment, or whether it has deepened existing inequalities in new forms.
Decoding the Digital Evolution Pre vs Post COVID
In the final episode of EDGE: 30 Years of the Internet, Osama Manzar reflects on how the last decade transformed India’s digital landscape, from WhatsApp-driven rural connectivity and COVID-19’s forced digitization to misinformation, platform economies, AI, and the growing risk of people becoming mere data points. Through stories from grassroots communities, this episode explores the balance between digital empowerment and human agency, while reimagining a more inclusive digital future through initiatives like the Museum of Digital Society (MODS).
