Pratibadh ( Wall Newspaper)
Description
We are in to business of development though communication interventions. We publish a development newspaper targeting rural and low literate with their participation. For this we have also identified over 600 Rural Communicators cum Rural Reporters and are building their capacity to be interface between ICT revolution and rural. Though ICT has revolutionize the way World is communicating and also brought communication at the center stage of development, but unfortunately digital divide would remain an major area of concern for some more time to come. Though there have been several attempts to bridge the gaps, but we need a short term strategy to address issue at the earliest, before gaps become too wide to be filled. To us we need to have some sort of “transformer of information”, which can take best of information from ICT and step down to the level where it is of immediate use for rural. We are trying to utilize these two channels (Development newspaper and Rural Reporters) at tandem to give benefit of ICT for development to rural under our own foot print, before the gaps get too widened to be filled. Out of three components of ICT we have taken advantage of Information and Communication and utilizing technology like SMS, LCD projector and Computer based communication to it best at the level we communicate
What we deliver
Anything that could bring some positive changes in the life of rural people. Primarily dairy, agriculture and employment opportunity.
Whom we deliver
It is perfect two way channel. The van than delivers the newspaper is also used by farmer to send us feedback. The Rural Reporter send us information need.
Why is the project unique?
It has survived and grown over 10 years without any funding or support. It has sustained on its commercial viability. With an initial reach to 900 villages in 1996 we are reaching over 40,000 villages. It may not have created wonders, but have all potential to grow on fast track with introduction of some more business modules like Rural Communication, Rural Research and Rural Market.
Roadmap
With its all inherent advantages, its handicap work as deterrents for exploiting it to the best of development interest. One needs some sort of transformer of information which takes the best of ICT technology and step it down to the level where it could be used for development.
Contact
ANUPAM SHRIVASTAV
ICON COMMUNICATIONS
304, Ranjit Sadan, K 128, Mohammadpur
New Delhi, India
110066
