IMC 2023: Vi demonstrates innovation in technology for public good

Leading telecom operator, Vi, demonstrated “Innovation in Technology for Public Good’, its marquee tech-based community development solutions to the Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi at the India Mobile Congress (IMC) 2023, being held from October 27-29, 2023 at the Pragati Maidan in New Delhi.

Accompanied by Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw, Electronics & Information Technology, Government of India, the Hon’ble PM learnt more on the community people from Araziline and Sewapuri block, Varanasi, who have been benefitted from Vi Foundation’s programs Jaadu Ginni Ka, Gurushala and SmartAgri. These three solutions across digital-financial literacy, education and livelihood has impacted over 1.4 lakh people in Varanasi and over 13.5 lakh people in Uttar Pradesh.

The Hon’ble PM also took keen interest in the ‘Jaadu Gini Ka’ financial literacy van which was displayed at the Viexperience booth. The customized van equipped with laptops, TV and portable generator etc. travel across the country to various townships and communities imparting knowledge and training on basic digital and financial literacy skills. As part of the Government of India’s flagship programme for digital inclusion – PMGDISHA (Pradhan Mantri Gramin Digital Saksharta Abhiyaan) and Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav, Vi Foundation in partnership with CSC Academy has been driving the Jaadu Ginni Ka programme to spread awareness on financial literacy. Operated by Village Level Entrepreneurs, this financial literacy van is aimed to take the Government of India’ digital literacy movement another step forward to the underserved community across the country.

Vi Foundation strongly believes in leveraging technology to tackle some of the most compelling challenges in our society. Vi Foundation’s programs have improved the overall quality of life for lakhs of rural families via simple tech-based interventions.

Expressing his gratitude to the Hon’ble Prime Minister for his valuable time and support, P. Balaji, Director of Vi Foundation and Chief Regulatory & Corporate Affairs Officer, Vodafone Idea Limited, said “We thank the Honorable Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modiji for his gracious presence and taking time to understand and learn more about our work. Vi Foundation is committed to support Government of India’s vision to empower rural communities across India via tech. Vi Foundation programs are a reflection of our deep commitment to make a positive social impact. Through our initiatives, we are not only addressing the immediate needs of communities but also creating sustainable and meaningful change for a better tomorrow. We believe in making a difference that truly matters.” Vi demonstrated three initiatives of Vi Foundation that has impacted the community of Varanasi people at large. Vi’s ‘Jaadu Ginni Ka’ initiative is rooted in the Hon’ble Prime Minister’s vision of promoting financial literacy and inclusion. This program delivers digital and financial literacy training to people aged 15 to 60 in rural households across India. Through vans and partnerships with civil society organisations, this initiative has already benefited more than 1.5 crore citizens, half of whom are women. Developed in consultation with leading financial experts, ‘Jaadu Ginni Ka’ is designed to create awareness on key financial concepts, such as borrowings, investments, financial planning, and digital financial tools, enabling people to make informed financial decisions that positively impact their lives. Vi’s Smart Agri programme is dedicated to the betterment of farmers’ livelihoods by providing them with advanced technology interventions and enabling them to adopt sustainable farming methods. With the use of the Internet of Things (IoT), Artificial Intelligence (AI), and real-time technology solutions, SmartAgri provides farmers with information on critical elements to farming-like soil and air quality, wind, presence of insects and pests, and crop growth. Farmers also receive real-time and localised advisories on critical agri inputs for their crops and agricultural news on markets, government policies and schemes etc. They receive this in their regional languages via their mobile phones, with audio options, in case reading is a challenge. With expansion of the programme this year, the initiative will positively impact over 8.6 lakh farmers across multiple states, leading to increased income and reduced cost by 15-20%.

CT Bureau