Path to digital literacy success

Digital technology is advancing every day. Today, a phone is not just a tool for communication- it also functions as our bank, office, and more. There is no turning back from this technology. Therefore, everyone, regardless of age, needs to know how to use it to live in today’s world. The younger generation knows how to use these tools from their school days itself. However, there were still two generations- older people and those who grew up without exposure to computers-who were unaware of these technologies. Most people, except the very elderly, now know how to use digital tools independently. But some older people and a small group over 14 years of age remained outside digital literacy.

Through months of dedicated and patient work, the Department of Local Self-Government in Kerala has guided all sections of society toward complete digital literacy. The department, its officials, and Minister M.B. Rajesh, along with the Left Democratic Front government, deserve appreciation for this achievement. Kerala, which has a history of high literacy, has become the first fully digitally literate state in India, a major accomplishment of this modern era. Three days ago, in a ceremony in Thiruvananthapuram, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan officially declared Kerala as the first state to achieve full digital literacy.

The COVID-19 pandemic played an important role in motivating older people to engage with digital technology.

The Chief Minister personally commended 105-year-old M. Abdullah Maulavi from Perumbavoor, who proved that age is not a barrier to understanding and using digital technology. Maulavi’s journey began with a basic keypad phone and now includes using a smartphone to communicate, watch news, and listen to the Quran. During COVID, his children provided him with a smartphone, and he was guided by the Local Self-Government Department’s digital coordinator. This initiative also helped reduce the isolation faced by the elderly in Kerala. The government focused on practical training to ensure everyone could benefit from information technology advancements.

People over 14 years old who were digitally illiterate were identified through surveys and taught through special programs. Earlier, Pullampara in Thiruvananthapuram became India’s first fully digitally literate Gram Panchayat, and this model was implemented across Kerala. People were taught useful digital skills such as installing new apps, sending emails, creating social media profiles, watching YouTube videos, ordering food online, booking LPG cylinders, and paying electricity bills. In short, the Local Self-Government Department has helped every citizen connect with the digital world through this successful initiative.