NIT Jamshedpur embarks on drive to boost digital literacy among rural youth

Jamshedpur: The Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science at the National Institute of Technology (NIT) Jamshedpur has launched a week-long skill development workshop to bridge the digital divide and empower rural youth with essential computer skills. Running from June 30 to July 4, the campaign aims to connect young people in villages to the digital world and equip them for a self-reliant future.

The program was inaugurated by NIT Director Prof. Goutam Sutradhar, who emphasized that computer literacy today is not merely a technical skill but a crucial foundation for self-reliance and personal growth. “In today’s time, computer knowledge is a strong step towards self-reliance,” he told participants, encouraging them to use technology to fulfill their dreams.

Deputy Director Prof. Ram Vinoy Sharma highlighted how digital technology can simplify and improve daily life, saying, “If children of villages connect with technology, they can also play an active role in national progress.”

Dean (R&C) Prof. Satish Kumar underlined that digital literacy is the first step toward empowerment and competitiveness. “This workshop will give children the confidence to prove themselves in the competitive era,” he said.

Workshop coordinators Prof. Dilip Kumar and Prof. Alok Priyadarshi called the initiative a milestone for spreading digital awareness in rural areas. To ensure maximum participation, they visited homes in nearby villages, explaining the benefits of digital education in local languages with relatable examples.

Over the week, participants will learn computer basics, safe internet practices, digital communication, accessing online government services, and responsible social media use.

PhD scholars including Bijay Singh, Ashit Ekka, Sudhanshu Shekhar, Chiranjeevi Kant, Ujra Rahman, Amit Bharti, and Ranjan Kumar played key roles in logistics, registration, facilitation, and ground-level coordination.

The workshop was organized under the guidance of Dr. Danish Ali Khan, Dr. Dilip Kumar, Dr. Shobhashankar Kumar Tiwari, and Dr. Suchismita Mahato, who together developed a detailed training plan to ensure high-quality learning outcomes. This information was shared by the institute’s media in-charge, Sunil Kumar Bhagat.