Bhartiya Model of Digital Literacy BMDL is Banasthali Prof Harsh Purohit Mission with Passion

Digital literacy goes beyond computer literacy which is about how to use the PCs, laptops, Tabs, Smart Phones etc as it includes cyber security, cyber ethics etc. Being digitally literate is the need of the hour and utmost important for upliftment and empowerment of women.

Chanakya Niti says “Of what value are the scriptures to him who has no intelligence of his own? Of what value is a mirror to a blind person?” While the entire India is witnessing the ill effects of excessive digitalization on the kids in form of the ‘Blue Whale’, it is worth noting that anticipating the limitations of the ongoing digital literacy, a Professor from Banasthali University Rajasthan had conceptualized ‘Bhartiya Model of Digital Literacy’ in 2016.

Prof. Harsh Purohit, Dean of the FMS-WISDOM, SBI School of Commerce and Banking conceptualized this innovative model. He is the recipient of Financial Literacy Award for 3 years in a row from Principal Mutual Funds, Mumbai. In developing this model he has been assisted by Dr. Ankur Joshi and Ms. Niharika Bharti from the University.

The researchers at Banasthali recognized that every concept should suit the context and culture in which it is being applied. This leads to better efficiency and effectiveness of the initiative. Based on learning from the ancient scriptures and practices of other countries, the BMDL defines Digital Literacy comprehensively as that subset of holistic learning that captures the awareness, knowledge, skill, attitude and behavior of individuals and communities at various levels, for understanding and using the existing and emerging digital technologies for productive activities for self and everyone while ensuring the ethical usage, balancing, legal compliance, and cyber-security.

Cyber citizenship goes beyond Aadhar cards and PAN cards by emphasizing on ethics, security aspect, and intelligent usage which are equally important. Inarguably, ethics, legal compliance, balancing (considering the problem of addiction) and security are crucial aspects which worry all stakeholders which includes government, corporate, educational institutions, parents as well as NGOs. The researchers at Banasthali found that parents, teachers and other stakeholders are quick to act to improve the digital literacy.

The digital world is double edged sword given its enormous potential and volatility. Therefore, intelligent and informed people are needed in government, corporate, and society to be able to judiciously leverage the technology for achieving good governance. Apart from all this, all the stakeholders need to play an active role in ensuring that objectives of any social campaign are achieved. It goes without saying that while most institutions are focusing on computer literacy, Banasthali is focusing and spearheading Digital Literacy.

For more details about Banasthali see http://www.banasthali.org/

About Banasthali: The Institution which is also the largest fully residential women’s university in the world has played a big role in revolutionizing women’s education in the country for the last eight decades with a belief that there is a tremendous role of higher education in empowering the women. Banasthali has scripted numerous success stories in a wide range of fields, and stands tall among the citadels of learning in India today. Team Banasthali with Vice Chancellor J C Bose Memorial Award for eminent scientist recipient Prof Aditya Shastri a highly acclaimed alumnus of BITS Pilani, SUNY State University of New York Stony Brook and MIT USA is indeed racing forward to be the very best among global women universities. Proud to be Banasthali alumni who call themselves as Banasthalites can be found in all latitudes, longitudes and altitudes in all walks of life across the globe.

Banasthali University
P.O. Banasthali Vidyapith
Rajasthan – 304022
Phone 91 1438 228456 / 228341
Email: info@banasthali.ac.in
Website: http://www.banasthali.org
Facebook: www.facebook.com/Banasthali.org

This release was published on openPR.