Cultivating a digital literacy mindset

Growing up in Khadki in Pune, Nikita Shrisath always had an urge to learn new things. After passing the 12th standard, she actively started looking for a job to support her family. “It was then that I realised that I needed to become digitally literate,” she recalls.

Nikita learned about the Pradhan Mantri Gramin Digital Saksharta Abhiyan (PMGDISHA) Digital Literacy Training Programme supported by Capgemini, which empowers citizens in rural areas to actively learn IT skills. This initiative is part of the Digital India programme which aims to transform India into a digitally empowered society and knowledge economy.

After enrolling in this course, Nikita became conversant in the basics of digital devices, including
terminology, navigation and functionality. She says, “I learnt to create, manage, access, and store
information and how to use the Internet responsibly.” Today, she is confident about operating digital devices and using technology in her life and at work.

After her certification in Digital Literacy, Nikita joined Mancers Info Services Private Limited in Pune as a lab instructor. She says, “I’ve become independent in my computer work, more confident, and capable of teaching other students. I also understand the direction my own life can take if I am serious about my computer training.”

Mancers Info Services facilitates the PMGDISHA training infrastructure, and the students benefit from the support they receive from trainers like Nikita. “This experience has been a joyride with lots of excitement, new experiences and learning,” says Nikita, who trains several young kids to become proficient in digital technology.

Nikita is all set to not just make a future for herself but also, secure those of the next generation.