The Haluguri Chowk Anganwadi Center at Changsari in Kamrup district became the first Anganwadi in Assam to get equipped with Smart TV.

The smart TV was installed under the Young Indians Smart Learning Project initiated by Young Indians Guwahati Chapter on December 5.

The project aims to deliver digital infrastructure across villages in the state which are lacking in digital infrastructure.

Smart TVs with internet features will enable children to have access to online information and learning.

The formal installation of the TV was inaugurated by Dr Debajit Khanikar, Joint Secretary, Social Welfare Department, who graced the occasion as the Chief Guest.

Young Indian Guwahati Chapter Chair Hamad, MAR Berlashker remarked on the need to enhance digital access for community development in rural Assam.

"Young Indians Guwahati Chapter envisions a progressive learning environment in a sustainable way for our rural children," Berlashker said.

"Rural students must be enabled to have access to the same advantages and opportunities as their urban counterparts," he added.

Dr Debajit Khanikar, in his address, appreciated and lauded the initiative of Young Indians Guwahati Chapter and on behalf of the Social Welfare Department wished them the best in their future endeavour.

Dr Debajit Khanikar

He opined that smart devices should be installed in all Anganwadi centres across Assam.

He further deliberated on how the government is keen on ensuring digital information access for rural students and stated that they are currently arranging digital devices for select areas as with more than sixty-two thousand centres in the state it would be unfeasible to establish such devices in all centres at the moment.

Talking about the initiative, Rural and Entrepreneurship Chair, Young Indians Guwahati Chapter Amrit Deorah said, “This is a national initiative and our Chapter is proud to be doing our part in accelerating improved community empowerment in Assam through enhanced access to online information and learning."

Students of the Anganwadi centre

"By setting up smart infrastructure in rural centres like the Smart TV we installed here today,thisSmart Learning project will address the digital divide between rural and urban India for rural education and communication," he added.

"The Haluguri Chowk Anganwadi Centre is the first centre where we have installed Smart TV," he further said.

"We will further identify villages and centres which are lacking in digital infrastructure and shall do our best to ensure that a purposeful pursuit such as this Smart Learning project reaches one and all who can benefit from it," he added.

The installation programme was followed by a learning session with Dr Bidita Das on the topic Interactive session with mothers & children on the Importance of Mental Health during Pandemic.

Dr Bidita Das during the interaction

Dr Das is a Positive Psychology Practitioner and HoD, Department of Psychology, Handique Girls’ College.