New Delhi, December 20, 2023: In a joint effort, HMD, the manufacturer of Nokia phones, and the Shikhar Dhawan Foundation have extended their digital literacy initiative to provide Nokia mobile phones and tablets to underprivileged students in the Delhi NCR region. This collaboration aims to address affordability and accessibility challenges, enhancing e-learning opportunities in India. The second phase of the initiative featured the distribution of Nokia mobile phones and tablets to disadvantaged students at NeeV- A Learning Centre in Village Nangli Umarpur, Golf Course Extension, Gurugram. Notable attendees included Ravi Kunwar (VP, India & APAC, HMD Global) and key leaders from both organizations.
Going beyond device distribution, the initiative includes a plantation drive and awareness campaigns on e-waste management and sustainability. The comprehensive approach seeks to bridge the digital gap for students facing financial constraints, ultimately improving e-learning opportunities for all.
During the event, Ravi Kunwar (VP, India & APAC, HMD Global), said, “This initiative seamlessly aligns with HMD commitment to ensuring universal access to affordable, durable, and eco-conscious technology. Collaborating with the Shikhar Dhawan Foundation, a partner that shares our values of creating profound and sustainable impacts in people's lives, brings us immense joy and serves as a manifesto for our dedication to reducing e-waste. At HMD, our mission is to empower individuals with the right technology while championing sustainable practices.”
Amitesh Shah, CEO of DA-ONE (a Shikhar Dhawan initiative), emphasized, "Technology access is indispensable for lifelong learning, transcending geographical boundaries. Through this initiative, our aim is to empower students, enabling them to make significant contributions to their communities. Our collaboration for this endeavour enables us to extend our reach to underprivileged school children, providing them with the tools to reshape the future with a wealth of resources at their disposal."
Dr. Kanika Dewan, Director of Impact and Strategy at the Shikhar Dhawan Foundation, said, "We are delighted to collaborate on this initiative aimed at enhancing e-learning accessibility in India. While technology has played a remarkable role in expanding the reach and enhancing the quality of education, basic smart devices remain a luxury for a significant portion of the country. By providing these essential tools to our promising young minds, we are making a substantial investment in the future. Our commitment persists in working towards ensuring that every student has access to quality education."
The inaugural distribution event emphasized raising awareness about e-waste management among school children at NeeV, while HMD kick-started a tree plantation campaign at the school, reinforcing their commitment to addressing the challenges faced by students from less privileged backgrounds.
