“I have been involved with DEF and its activities for many years and am very proud to see how the team under Osama has spread its wings and flown to new heights. The DEF team brings to any endeavor a keen sense of vision and purpose. They engage well with all stakeholders, are able to get things done and can be trusted to meet any challenge. As CEO of Zensar and Chairman of NASSCOM Foundation,I look forward to strengthening our partnership with DEF.”

Ganesh Natarajan
Vice Chairman and CEO, Zensar Technologies, Chairman NASSCOM Foundation

“It is amazing to see all this here. I never expected this far-flung village to be so connected.”

Mark Zuckerberg
Facebook founder while visiting Chandauli CIRC Centre

“DEF is an organization I admire for being ahead of the curve – I thought so when DEF was born and continue to do so even now. DEF has set high standards for collaborations at all levels starting at the grassroots. Celebrating innovations across India as well as across borders is of great value to take the field forward. Wishing the 12 year old DEF all the very best and more work and power to you.”

Poonam Muttreja
Executive Director in Population Foundation of India

“Osama and DEF have a wide network both in and outside India. They have a great ability to connect technology to rural people and have a very good understanding of how governments function so they can give very good inputs as to how governments can work with civil society organisations. Moreover, because of their tremendous outreach capability they can implement projects that others cannot do.”

Dr Ajay Kumar
Joint secretary in the ministry of Communication and Information Technology

Mobile is an enabling agent

Mobile phone is one of the defining technologies of the 21st century. It is emerging as a key driver in India by contributing significantly to our GDP growth. In fact, the potential it possesses in achieving socio-economic growth is unprecedented. The access to mobile services and low-cost smartphones has created a substantial opportunity for people…