Providing underprivileged kids a foothold in digital world

NT Correspondent

To make digital dreams of underprivileged children a reality, Appario Retail Private Limited collaborated with two NGOs to distribute laptops, desktops and tablets, worth nearly Rs 1.19 crore, in Bengaluru.

The devices were handed over to the students and teachers in the presence of Appario CEO Aman Deep Lohan and CFO Sharath Narahari Belur.

Through the distribution of these devices, the retailer believes that it will help not only reduce the digital divide in India, but empower the less privileged through digital literacy. It will also help in furthering the central government’s ‘Digital India’ campaign.

The recent pandemic, especially, had a profound impact on the way students adapted to digitalization, moving away from a system of education built around physical schools and classrooms. Therefore, the primary objective of this initiative was to enable underprivileged children to gain unlimited access to education.

Through its flagship program, ‘Technology Education’ and ‘Realizing Digital Dreams’ Appario has come forward to empower teachers and underprivileged children with laptops, tablets and help in setting up a digital library. The retailer distributed 54 laptops, seven desktops and 95 tablets to YuvaLok Foundation and 120 laptops to Christel House India.

Commenting on this, Lohan said, “We are happy to contribute to the large cause which will help these children in providing access to inter net which would be a stepping stone for them in today’s digital world and help them to get larger opportunity in their life.

“Digital empowerment and an opportunity to access the same quality of education is the key to bridging the digital divide in India. It is only when this happens can India talk about being inclusive and giving equal opportunity to learn and grow for the underprivileged youth of our country. They are the future and need to be nurtured and instilled with the need for and importance of digital first thinking. This is the singular thought behind this project, which we hope will give wings to the dreams of our underprivileged youth of Bengaluru.”

Belur said “As a country we aim to be completely digitally empowered, however, this vision can only be completed by bridging the digital divide. We look forward to building an atmosphere that caters to children from all walks of life. Through these projects, we aim to create a level playing field and improve the educational status of underserved children which will empower them to not only meet their developmental goals but also compete in a world which is digitally driven.

“It will be a matter of pride for us to see these children succeed in their field of choice.”