Digital Literacy Week 2.0 from Dec 9

NEW DELHI, INDIA: Aimed at promoting digital inclusion across the country, NASSCOM Foundation along with leading IT companies like Google and Intel is organizing the second Digital Literacy Week (DLW) from 9-13 December, 2013.

The week will provide an opportunity to employees from companies like Acer, Dell, Google, HCL, HP, IBM, Intel, Lenovo, Microsoft, NIIT, TE Connectivity, Wipro and others to impart practical and relevant digital skills to those with little or no computer knowledge. This initiative is one of the activities under the National Digital Literacy Mission (NDLM) that is complementing the Government's efforts in making at least one person per household, e-literate.

A release from organizers said that the Digital Literacy Week will serve as a great opportunity for the employees of NASSCOM Foundation's partner organizations to volunteer towards training the underserved, building their social and economic self-sufficiency through digital literacy across Bangalore, Chennai, Delhi/NCR, Hyderabad, Mumbai and Pondicherry.

Rita Soni, CEO NASSCOM Foundation said, "NASSCOM Foundation has always believed in the power of information technology to be an equalizing force for society. But today, a mere 10% of India's population is digitally equipped. While rural areas struggle with connectivity, our urban centers continue to be replete with digital illiteracy alongside 21st century industries. This is why we are thrilled to organize DLW 2.0 where we expect more than 1000 IT-BPM employees to volunteer their time and expertise. Already 100+ people have signed up!"

Debjani Ghosh, managing director, Sales & Marketing Group, Intel South Asia said, "Intel has always been committed to driving Digital Literacy and was the founding member of the National Digital Literacy Mission in 2012. Through our Intel Easy Steps digital literacy curriculum we've already equipped 2 million people in India with digital literacy skills. This year again, Intel volunteers will participate wholeheartedly in the Digital Literacy Week to equip citizens with the necessary skills to make full use of the internet and connected devices for their personal growth."

The internet economy is taking off in India and we are set to become the second largest internet user base in the world by the end of 2014. We need to collectively take steps now as an Industry to ensure that everybody can benefit from the gains that the internet provides. We recently announced our initiative to help 50 million women to get online and overcome the gender disparity on the internet in India. And we will continue to work with the Industry to overcome the digital divide and help more and more Indians to come online and gain from the internet. We are delighted to see the Industry come together on this and we sincerely hope to make a substantial difference." says Sunil Rao, Country Head of Outreach Programs, Google India.