Gujarat’s Youth at the Heart of India’s Digital Revolution

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Bullet-Point Synopsis:

• Event Date & Place: Anant National University hosted a Research Dissemination Workshop on 16 April 2025 in Ahmedabad.

• Purpose: The workshop shared key findings of a research project on Digital India’s impact on youth in Gujarat, funded by ICSSR.

• Lead Researchers: Dr Subhalaxmi Mohapatra, Dr Diti Pundrik Vyas (Anant National University), and Dr Subhadip Roy (IIM Ahmedabad).

• Focus Areas: Urban vs. rural digital usage, financial inclusion, digital entrepreneurship, social media influence, and healthcare access.

• Methodology: Mixed-method approach with data from 450 youth respondents in Gandhinagar and Kutch.

• Key Findings:

  • Urban youth use digital platforms more actively than rural youth.

  • Men mostly use digital financial tools; urban women use digital tools to expand their businesses.

  • Social media builds confidence and community engagement among youth.

  • Rural women gain decision-making power through digital literacy but face access challenges.

• Panel Discussion: Experts included Mr Rohit Kumar (The Quantum Hub/YLAC), Prof Rajat Sharma (IIM Ahmedabad), Dr Dignesh Vachani (PHC Majevadi), Dr Atul Mehta (Pay10).

• Recommendations: Expand digital literacy, include digital training in education, promote gender-focused campaigns, support public-private partnerships, and promote digital entrepreneurship.

The findings of a specific research study on how Gujarati youth are being impacted by the Digital India movement were recently released by Anant National University. The results of this study, which concentrated on both urban and rural youth, were presented at a Research Dissemination Workshop held by the university in Ahmedabad.

The Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR) provided funding for the project, which was directed by Dr. Subhadip Roy of IIM Ahmedabad and Drs. Subhalaxmi Mohapatra and Diti Pundrik Vyas of Anant National University. The purpose of the study was to find out how Gujarati youth use digital technologies and what changes Digital India has brought about in their life.

The research team used both quantitative data (numbers) and qualitative analysis (stories) to gather information from 450 young people in Gandhinagar and Kutch. This enabled them to comprehend both personal experiences and the wider perspective.

The results demonstrated that young people in urban regions use digital platforms more frequently than those in rural areas. Urban women are employing digital technologies for something even more potent—growing their enterprises online—while males mostly utilise them for financial transactions like Google Pay and UPI. Nowadays, a large number of young women are managing small enterprises, selling goods, and attracting new clients using social media sites like Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp.

Social media has purposes beyond facilitating human connections. It is helping young people express themselves, feel more included in a wider group, and increase their confidence.

But there are obstacles for young people in rural areas, particularly women living in villages. They still suffer because of societal hurdles, inadequate internet connectivity, and ignorance, despite the fact that many of them are developing digital skills. Even so, they have more influence over decisions made in their families and communities because to their digital expertise, which is a significant improvement.

There was a robust panel discussion during the workshop. Prof. Subhadip Roy moderated the session, which featured speakers such as Dr. Dignesh Vachani, a medical officer from PHC Majevadi; Prof. Rajat Sharma from IIM Ahmedabad; Dr. Atul Mehta, CEO of Pay10; and Mr. Rohit Kumar, Founding Partner at The Quantum Hub and Co-founder of Young Leaders for Active Citizenship (YLAC).

“Digital access opens doors to opportunities, civic engagement, and personal growth—but only if social and educational barriers are addressed,” Mr. Rohit Kumar said, emphasising the need for improved digital infrastructure and literacy.

Prof. Rajat Sharma went on to say that Digital India has contributed to a change in the way individuals engage with the public and private sectors, going beyond simple access to the meaningful use of digital technologies.

Dr. Dignesh Vachani discussed the ways in which healthcare apps such as e-Hospital, Teleconsultation, and ABHA are gradually increasing access to healthcare. However, he cautioned that to fully benefit from these services, additional work must be done to enhance internet connectivity in rural regions.

One crucial point was made by Dr. Atul Mehta of Pay10: “Previously, consumers were hesitant to use digital payment methods. However, they are now generally accepted by both customers and businesses—it has become a part of everyday life.

Additionally, the report provided specific recommendations to increase the inclusivity of digital progress:

Increase the number of digital literacy initiatives in Gujarat.

In schools and universities, teach digital skills.

Launch initiatives aimed at promoting the use of digital tools by women and girls.

Create public-private partnerships to enhance the infrastructure for the internet.

In remote areas, establish Digital Resource Centres.

To assist young digital entrepreneurs, offer microfinance choices.

Young people’s lives, jobs, education, and interactions have all changed significantly as a result of digital India. It has inspired people to gain new abilities, grow more self-reliant, and engage in society with greater assurance. However, more work has to be done, particularly in rural regions where awareness and access are still low.

Digital India is more than just technology, as Dr. Subhadip Roy so eloquently put it. It is about individuals, self-determination, and sustainable transformation.

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