Course Director: Dr. M. James Stephen
Chair Professor, Dr. B. R. Ambedkar Chair, Andhra University, Visakhapatnam
Co-course director: Dr. C. Praveen Babu.
Professor, Department of E.C.E., Andhra University, Visakhatpanam
Duration: 01-04-2025 To 14-04-2025
Venue: Dr. B. R. Ambedkar Chair Cluster, Andhra University
Concept
In today’s fast-changing world, the integration of digital technology into daily life is no longer optional—it is essential. As we progress toward a more digital society, it becomes crucial to explore how these technologies can drive social equity, enhance living standards, boost economic growth, and uphold the ideals of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, the principal architect of the Indian Constitution. His vision championed social justice, equality, and empowerment, especially for marginalised communities.
The course coordinator, a nationally renowned evangelist of this ideology, has been a pioneering voice in linking Digital India initiatives with Dr. Ambedkar’s vision for social justice and economic empowerment. The proposed two-week capacity-building program, “One India through Digital India,” features a unique theme each day, specifically tailored to equip academics from various institutions with the skills and knowledge to effectively harness digital tools. This initiative aims to equip participants to not only excel in social sciences but also leverage digital technologies and Digital India initiatives to create greater impact. By becoming advocates of the Digital India movement, they will help realise Dr. Ambedkar’s vision of a truly inclusive and empowered India.
Course Objective
Course Outcome
Eligibility
This program is open to all academics, including Lecturers, Assistant Professors, Associate Professors, and Professors, from disciplines such as Social Sciences, Economics, Political Science, Public Administration, and Law. By bringing together professionals from diverse fields, the program aims to foster interdisciplinary collaboration and exchange of ideas, enriching the learning experience and ensuring a well-rounded perspective on leveraging digital technologies for societal impact.
Conclusion
Participants completing this course will not only acquire advanced technical skills but also gain a profound understanding of how to effectively harness digital tools to advocate for social justice, empower marginalized communities, and drive socio-economic development. By equipping participants with the knowledge and skills to integrate technology into their academic and professional pursuits, this initiative contributes to the broader vision of creating a digitally inclusive and equitable society. It aligns with the transformative ideals of the Digital India movement, aiming to ensure that every citizen has access to opportunities and resources, ultimately fulfilling the promise of a more inclusive and empowered nation.
Resource Persons from Outside State
| S.no | Resource Person |
|---|---|
| 1 | Dr. Charru Malhotra Designation: Professor, Indian Institute of Public Administration, New Delhi Specialisation: Digital Transformation in Governance |
| 2 | Dr. Emmanuel Shubakar Pilli Designation: Associate Professor, Dept. of CSE, Malaviya National Institute of Technology, Jaipur. Specialisation: Computer Science & Information Technology |
| 3 | Dr. Sashimi Nayak Designation: Ambedkar Chair Professor, National Institute of Social Work and Social Sciences, Bhubaneswar Specialisation: Social Work and Social Sciences |
| 4 | Dr. C. Karthisesan Designation: Associate Professor, National Institute of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj, Hyderabad Specialisation: Panchayati Raj, Rural Technologies, Partnership Building, ICT for Development and e-Learning. |
| 5 | Dr. K. Satish Kumar Designation: Head, Department of CSE, Mahatma Gandhi Institute of Technology, Hyderabad Specialisation: Digital Infrastructure & Safety Critical Systems |
| 6 | Dr. Mark Vicars (online mode) Designation: Associate Professor, Victoria University, Melbourne, Australia Specialisation: Literacy, Research tools, Qualitative and post-qualitative research |
| 7 | Mr. Bramhanand Jha Vice President at National eGovernance Division under MeitY, Ministry of Electronics & IT, Government of India Specialisation: Expert in Program & Product Management, Business Analysis, and Process Re-engineering across multiple industries, with technical proficiency in ITSM, Data Analytics, CRM, and Distributed Systems. |
Resource Persons from Outside The City
| S.no | Resource Person |
|---|---|
| 1 | Dr. Vijaya Bhaskar Marisetty Designation: Dr. B. R. Ambedkar Chair Professor, Indian Institute of Management (IIM), Vizag, Gambeeram, Andhra Pradesh. Specialisation: Economics & Social Sciences, IoT & Computer Vision Technologies |
| 2 | Dr. Suresh Betha Designation: Additional Director, Software Technology Parks of India (STPI), Ahmadabad / Duvvada, Andhra Pradesh. Specialisation: Software & Applications, Pioneer in Digital India Initiatives |
| 3 | Prof. Y. Ashok Kumar Designation: Ambedkar Chair Professor, Acharya Nagarjuna University, Guntur. Specialisation: Sociology, Social Work |
| 4 | Sri. Samuel Johnson Prathipaty Designation: State Information Commissioner, Andhra Pradesh Information Commission, Guntur, Andhra Pradesh. Specialisation: Literature, Journalism, Digital Tools & Administration |
| 5 | Dr. Subhashini Tsapa Designation: Professor, St. Joseph’s College for Women, Guntur, Andhra Pradesh. Specialisation: Educational Research, Curriculum Design, Experiential Learning |
| 6 | Sri, Ravi Easwarapu Designation: President, TiE Global, Amaravati, Andhra Pradesh & CEO, gny.ai, Hyderabad Specialisation: entrepreneurship & Digital tools, Start-Ups, IT Business Modelling |
Resource Persons Within The City
| S.no | Resource Person |
|---|---|
| 1 | Prof. K. Sitamanikyam Designation: Professor & Principal, College of Law, Andhra University Specialisation: Cyber Laws , Business Laws, labour laws, Women Empowerment |
| 2 | Prof. G. Veerraju Designation: Professor Department of Politics and Public Administration, Andhra University, Visakhapatnam Specialisation: Political Science & Public Administration, Ambedkarist & Social Reformer |
| 3 | Prof. P. Sanyasi Naidu Designation: Professor, Department of CSSE, Andhra University, Visakhapatnam. Specialisation: Computer Science & Information Technology |
| 4 | Prof. P .Venkateswarlu Designation: Professor, Dept.of Commerce and Management Studies, Cheif Librarian, Andhra University, Visakhapatnam Specialisation: Commerce & Management, Library & e-library training |
| 5 | Prof. M. James Stephen (course coordinator) Designation: Chair Professor, Dr. B. R. Ambedkar Chair, Andhra University Specialisation: Amalgamating Technology towards Social Needs |
| 6 | Prof. C. Praveen Babu (co-course coordinator) Designation: Professor, Department of E.C.E., Andhra University Specialisation: Digital Communication Systems & Social Empowerment |
Program Schedule
| Day 1 01-04-2025 Tuesday |
INAUGURAL CEREMONY |
| Theme: Digital India infrastructure for social inclusion | |
| Session 1 & 2: Overview of Digital India Topics: Introduction to Digital India: Objectives and Vision, Pillars of Digital India: Broadband Highways, Universal Access to Mobile Connectivity, Public Internet Access Programme, Key Components: Digital Infrastructure, Digital Services, Digital Literacy. Resource Person: Dr. Suresh Betha, Software Technology Parks of India (STPI), Ahmadabad / Duvvada, VSKP |
|
| Session 3: Dr. B. R. Ambedkar’s vision and social inclusion Topics: Life of Dr. Ambedkar, Definition and Importance of Social Inclusion, Barriers to Social Inclusion: Economic, Social, Digital, Role of Digital Technology in Promoting Dr. Ambedkar’s vision of holistic inclusion. Resource Person: Prof. G. Veerraju, Andhra University, Visakhapatnam. |
| Day 2 02-04-2025 Wednesday |
Theme: Digital India infrastructure for social inclusion |
| Session 4 & 5: Digital connectivity and accessibility Topics: Expansion of Broadband Services in Rural Areas, Initiatives like BharatNet and Wi-Fi Choupals, Challenges in Digital Connectivity and Solutions. Resource Person: Prof. K. Satish Kumar, Mahatma Gandhi Institute of Technology, Hyderabad. | |
| Session 6: Public Internet Access and Digital Platforms Topics: Digital governance web portals, apps, WhatsApp services, Digital Platforms for Governance: e-Governance, e-Krant, Case Studies: Successful Implementation of Public Internet Access and digital services via smartphones. Hands-On training: Hands-on training in the computer centre on digital platforms (websites and apps) for digital governance under GoI. Resource Person: Prof. P. Sanyasi Naidu, Andhra University, Visakhapatnam. |
| Day 3 03-04-2025 Thursday |
Theme: Digital India infrastructure for economic inclusion |
| Session 7 & 8: Digital Financial Inclusion Topics: Digital Payment Systems: UPI, BHIM, Aadhaar Enabled Payment System (AePS), Financial Inclusion through Jan Dhan Yojana, Impact of Digital Banking on Rural and Underserved Communities. Case Study: Andhra Pradesh’s cashless village Mori - an example of the impact of digital India in digital payments for financial inclusion. Resource Person: Prof. Vijaya Bhaskar Marisetty, Indian Institute of Management (IIM), Visakhapatnam. | |
| Session 9: E-Governance for medical and educational inclusion Topics: Government to Citizen Services (G2C): DigiLocker, e-Hospital, Digital Health Initiatives: Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission, Digital Education Platforms: SWAYAM, DIKSHA. Case Study: The Role of Digital India in Promoting Medical Inclusion for Marginalized Communities to Address Chronic Kidney Disease in Uddanam. Resource Person: Prof. M. James Stephen, Andhra University, Visakhapatnam. |
| Day 4 04-04-2025 Friday |
Theme: Empowering marginalised communities through Digital India |
| Session 10 & 11: Digital Literacy and Skill Development Topics: Bharat Net project, Skill development, Adhar enabled services and digitalisation of all services, direct benefit transfer schemes and benefits, UMANG apps, targeted awareness programs, Skill India and Digital Skill Training Programs, Impact of Digital Literacy on Social Inclusion. Common Service Centers (CSCs) and their Role in Providing Digital Services, Digital Platforms for Governance: e-Governance, e-Krant, Case Studies: Successful Implementation of Public Internet Access. Resource Person: Dr. Karthisesan, National Institute of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj, Hyderabad. | |
| Session 12: Digital Inclusion of Vulnerable Groups Topics: Initiatives Targeting Women: Mahila E-Haat, Stree Swabhiman, Digital Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, Case Studies: Success Stories of Digital Inclusion Case Study: The Digital India Act 2023 – access and privacy. Resource Person: Prof. K. Sitamanikyam, Andhra University, Visakhapatnam |
Program Summary
| Item | Highlight / Count | # Sessions | 36 |
| # Resource Persons | 18 |
| # Case Studies | 06 |
| # Field Visits | 02 |
| # Hands-on Lab Sessions | 02 |
| # Q&A Session | 01 |
| Highlight | Valedictory on Ambedkar Jayanthi |
Daily Schedule
| Time | Item | 09.00 AM - 10.15 AM | Forenoon First Session |
| 10.30 AM - 12.00 PM | Forenoon Second Session |
| 12.00 PM - 12.30 PM | Discussion, Feedback & Assignment |
| 12.30 PM - 02.00 PM | Lunch |
| 02.00 PM - 03.30 PM | Afternoon Session |
| 03.30 PM - 04.30 PM | Group Discussion & Activity |
| 04.30 PM | High Tea |
Resource Persons Schedule
| Day | Forenoon Session 09.00 AM - 12.30 PM |
Afternoon Session 02.00 PM - 04.30 PM |
| 1 | Dr. Suresh Batha S/W Technology Parks of India, Delhi |
Prof. G. Veerraju Andhra University, Visakhapatnam |
| 2 | Prof. K. Satish Kumar, MGIT, Hyderabad |
Prof. P. Sanyasi Naidu Andhra University, Visakhpatnam |
| 3 | Prof. Vijay Vhaskar Marisetty Indian Institute of Management - V |
Prof. M. James Stephen Andhra University, Visakhpatnam |
| 4 | Prof. C. Karthiresan NIRDPR, Hyderabad |
Prof. K. Sitamanikyam Andhra University, Visakhpatnam |
| 5 | Prof. Sashimi Nayak NISWSS, Bhubaneswar |
Sri. Ravi Easwarapu, TiE Global, Amaravati |
| 6 | Sri. P. Samuel Jonathan AP State Info. Commissioner, Guntur |
Prof. P. Subhashini, St. Joseph’s College, Guntur |
| 7 | Prof. Emmanuel Shubhakar Pilli MNIT, Jaipur |
Prof. Emmanuel Shubhakar Pilli MNIT, Jaipur |
| 8 | Prof. Mark Vicars Victoria University, Australia |
Prof. K. Sitamanikyam Andhra University, Visakhapatnam |
| 9 | Prof. P. Venkateswarlu Andhra University, Visakhapatnam |
Prof. P. Sanyasi Naidu Andhra University, Visakhpatnam |
| 10 | Prof. C. Praveen Babu Andhra University, Visakhapatnam |
Prof. G. Veerraju Andhra University, Visakhapatnam |
11 | Prof. Y. Ashok Kumar Acharya Nagarjuna Univ., Guntur |
Prof. M. James Stephen Andhra University, Visakhapatnam |
| 12 | Prof. Charu Malhotra IIPA, New Delhi |
Sri. Ravi Easwarapu, TiE Global, Amaravati |
Case Studies
| Session # | Title | Facilitator | 6 | The role of Digital India in promoting medical inclusion in marginalised communities to address Chronic Kidney disease in Uddanam | Prof. M. James Stephen |
| 7 | Andhra Pradesh’s cashless village Mori, a testament of the impact of Digital India in digital payments | Prof. M. Vijay Kumar |
| 12 | The Digital India Act 2023 | Prof. K. Sitamanikyam |
| 22 | The Digitalization of Ancient Indian Texts preserved in Andhra University Library | Prof. P. Venkateswarlu |
| 33 | Impact assessment and evaluation of PMGDISHA | Prof. Charu Malhotra |
| 35 | One India through Digital India - Unification and realisation of Dr. B. R. Ambedkar’s vision | Prof. M. James Stephen |
Field Visits
| Session # | Title | Facilitator | 28 | Visit to Pinagadi and Gorapalli villages, Visakhapatnam District - Survey and meetings with rural marginalised communities comprising students, farmers, and politicians. Focus Areas: Digital Governance and Direct Benefit Transfer. | Prof. C. Praveen Babu |
| 29 | Visit to Ramapuram and Karakavanipalem villages in Visakhapatnam District - Survey and meetings with women, public servants and health workers. Focus areas: Women Empowerment, Digitalisation of Services, and Impact of government Schemes through Digital tools. | Prof. C. Praveen Babu |
Concluding Note
The proposed Two-Week Capacity-Building Programme, “One India through Digital India,” has been meticulously designed to offer a holistic learning experience through a combination of theoretical classes, interactive discussions, case studies, hands-on sessions, and impactful field visits. This integrated approach ensures that participants gain a comprehensive understanding of digital tools and their applications, enabling them to make meaningful contributions to social sciences and society at large.
We are confident that this program will yield fruitful outcomes by equipping participants with the skills and knowledge necessary to advance the nation’s journey toward becoming a truly digital society.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR) for sponsoring this critical initiative at such a pivotal moment, as India strides forward in its transformation into a digitally empowered nation.
