In today's digital age, where technology plays a pivotal role in shaping futures and expanding horizons, initiatives aimed at bridging the digital divide are more crucial than ever. It is with this understanding that HMD Global, in collaboration with the Shikhar Dhawan Foundation, has embarked on a commendable journey to enhance digital literacy among underprivileged students in the Delhi NCR region. This collaborative effort is not just about providing access to technology but about opening up a world of opportunities for young minds that are eager to learn and grow.
The endeavor goes beyond mere distribution of devices; it encompasses a comprehensive approach towards education, sustainability, and community engagement.
In this interview with TheCSRUniverse, Ravi Kunwar, Vice-President - India & APAC at HMD Global, sheds light on the company’s impactful initiatives and future plans. He says that HMD’s focus isn't solely on distributing devices; it also incorporates tree-planting endeavors, e-waste awareness, and sustainability advocacy in its work. Kunwar says that company’s focus is to create awareness on e-waste reduction, reuse to create a holistic impact in the lives of people as well.
Scroll down to uncover the HMD Global’s digital literacy drive towards creating a more inclusive and technologically empowered society.
Interview with Ravi Kunwar, Vice-President - India & APAC at HMD Global
Q. How is HMD's collaboration with the Shikhar Dhawan Foundation contributing to digital literacy among underprivileged students in the Delhi-NCR region?
A. Education is a powerful key that unlocks the door to a brighter future. For students to explore and acquire new skills, access to high-quality teaching and learning materials is imperative. Digital education has aided millions of students around the country to access better quality education and removed time and space constraints. We strongly believe that learning needs to extend beyond classrooms. Our collaboration with the Shikhar Dhawan Foundation is a step forward towards providing better access and opportunities for the youth by equipping them with the right technological tools and education.
With this collaboration, we are contributing to furthering digital literacy among underprivileged students in the Delhi NCR region by addressing the challenges of affordability and accessibility to the right technology. Through this initiative, we are distributing smart devices, including Nokia mobile phones and tablets, to underprivileged students aiming to bridge the gap and enhance e-learning opportunities for students who face financial constraints, ensuring they have a better future.
Q. Can you elaborate on the initiative where Nokia mobile phones and tablets are being distributed to disadvantaged students at NeeV- a Learning Centre in Gurugram?
A. The device distribution drive at NeeV - A Learning Center in Village Nangli Umarpur, Golf Course Extension, Gurugram is at the second phase of our digital literacy initiative at this school. This intervention has always been an integral part of the company’s ongoing agenda and reflects our dedication to the planet and its people, constituting a pivotal facet of our overarching vision. The event went beyond just distribution of devices, and encompassed a tree plantation drive and the promotion of awareness regarding e-waste management and sustainability, along with the introduction to the fundamentals of UPI payments.
This activity is a component of a larger initiative to provide resource-deprived students with the aid they require to overcome financial and academic barriers and have access to essential e-learning technology. Additionally, these steps are aligned with HMD’s commitment to ensuring everyone has access to affordable and contemporary technology.
Q. How does the initiative extend beyond device distribution?
A. This initiative showcases our effort towards creating a holistic impact in society not just on one particular cause and our partner Shikhar Dhawan Foundation, shares our values and ideals of creating a deep and sustainable impact in people’s lives. So, our collective efforts do not just end at device distribution but also incorporate initiatives including a plantation drive and awareness campaigns on e-waste management and sustainability to provide holistic support. Once we equip these students with these devices, it is also imperative that we educate them on its entire life journey, especially pertaining to safe disposal. In addition to providing digital tools, we also want individuals, especially young minds to get some insights and focus on environmental consciousness while using these tools. By raising awareness about e-waste management and sustainability, and promoting the planting of more trees, we are just taking more steps towards our vision of holistic upliftment of the society.
Q. What specific steps has the organisation taken to raise awareness about e-waste management among school children at NeeV during the inaugural distribution event?
A. To raise awareness about e-waste management among school children at NeeV during the inaugural distribution event, we have initiated a tree plantation campaign at the school. Embarking on a tree plantation drive is a creative and impactful way to raise awareness about e-waste management. This drive can be structured to intertwine the importance of responsible e-waste disposal with the act of planting trees, fostering a dual commitment to environmental stewardship. During that period, we also shared thoughts on awareness about e-waste and sustainability to create awareness amongst people, especially the youth who have an emerging intellect. The goal of this was to engage and educate the students about responsible e-waste disposal and the importance of sustainable practices. This multifaceted approach not only provides essential digital tools but also instill a sense of environmental responsibility among the youth.
Q. How do you ensure the sustainability of the digital literacy initiative in the long term, considering the evolving needs of underprivileged students?
A. We have done multiple device distribution drives and digital literacy / sustainability campaigns in collaboration with Shikhar Dhawan Foundation and other leading organisations. The idea behind these initiatives is to help underprivileged students to the best of our capabilities. We truly believe this drive is not just about distributing devices, but also about analysing the growth and learning post the distribution of devices. Distributing is just one part of the goal we wish to accomplish. What we are aiming for is an empowered and inclusive education system. To ensure the sustainability of the digital literacy initiative in the long term, we are focusing on adapting to the evolving needs of underprivileged students. This involves continuous collaboration with partners like the Shikhar Dhawan Foundation, leveraging technology to cater to millions of individuals. Regular assessments, monitoring and updates to the program allow HMD to align the initiative with changing educational requirements and technological advancements, ensuring its relevance over time.
Q. Are there plans to expand this collaborative initiative beyond the Delhi-NCR region to address digital literacy challenges in other parts of India?
A. We endeavour to make technology accessible to everyone. We at HMD strive to democratize technology and reach every hand in the Globe. Moving forward, our commitment to addressing digital literacy challenges suggests a potential for future expansion as we continue to bridge the technology gap. Moreover, we may explore opportunities to replicate the success of the initiative in other parts of India, taking into consideration the unique needs and challenges faced by underprivileged students in different regions. So, definitely, there might be plans to expand this collaborative initiative beyond the Delhi NCR region to address digital literacy challenges in other parts of India.
Q. Could you share details about any other ongoing CSR initiatives that focus on education and technology empowerment for disadvantaged communities?
A. Till date, we have conducted 3+ distribution drives with Nokia Mobile Phones & Tablet worth more than 35 Lakhs in collaboration with the Shikhar Dhawan Foundation. Our first collaboration was done in October 2022 and our most recent one was in December 2023. The idea behind these collaborations is to help underprivileged students to the best of our capabilities.
We have also collaborated with Teach for India in the past and conducted a device distribution drive in schools in Hyderabad to promote e-learning among underprivileged students. As part of this program, 250 students from the Hyderabad and Maharashtra regions received both smart devices and scholarships to facilitate their e-learning endeavours.
Q. What are the organization’s plans for future endeavours in expanding their digital literacy initiative, and are there any upcoming collaborations or CSR initiatives aimed at addressing educational challenges and promoting sustainability?
A. We are planning to continue supporting more schools and students in the nearest future by moving from Metro cities to tier 1 and tier 2 cities and smaller towns for digital education. We are also planning on providing scholarships to deserving students to help with their studies. Apart from this, our primary focus will also be towards creating awareness around e-waste and how we can reuse and reduce the e-waste in order to create a holistic impact in the lives of people.
