Bridging the digital divide in India is a huge challenge during this ever changing digital revolution. A significant portion of India's 1.2 Billion people do not have access to the internet. According to The Age, India is at an extreme risk due it's the lack of inclusion.
Indians are associated with IT, Math, Science, Business and Customer Service in America. However in India, BBC News reported approximately 70% of the populations still live in remote villages. Many of these people have never even touched a computer! How are people that live in these situations going to, in a sense, catch up with the world so that they can have more opportunities to learn and make more money to improve their lives?
One approach to bridging India's digital divide is through cell phones. The phones available today offer a lot of features with the function of a computer. Many Indians may not be able to afford a computer but they may be able to afford or qualify for a cell phone. According to Fora.tv, these days you can find a cell phone in the hands of a fisherman or even someone pushing a cart.
Bussing children to areas of computers and other digital devices is another approach India has tried. Momentarily, this seems to help light that spark and educate young people but it doesn't last. Once they are shipped back to their villages, that is still their life.
Cell phones are key in this struggle for many reasons, but are they enough?