Srinagar, July 14: The SMARTPUR – Impact & Insights: Annual Showcasing Event 2026, a Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative of Nokia implemented by REACHA (Research and Extension Association for Conservation, Horticulture and Agroforestry), was held at Gandhi Bhawan, University of Kashmir, highlighting the programme’s three-year journey of promoting digital inclusion and rural development across Kashmir.
Organised in collaboration with the Department of Social Work, University of Kashmir, the event brought together around 180 participants, including more than 80 government officials, academicians, banking representatives, development practitioners, civil society organisations, community members and beneficiaries.
The programme reviewed the impact of Smartpur across 21 centres in Kashmir and explored opportunities for strengthening partnerships in areas such as digital inclusion, education, livelihoods, financial inclusion, governance and disaster risk reduction.
The event was attended by IAS officer Tawseef Ishaq, Prof. Rehana Habib Kanth, Director Extension, SKUAST-Kashmir, Prof. Pervez Ahmed, Dean, School of Earth & Environmental Sciences, University of Kashmir, Prof. Shazia Manzoor, Head, Department of Social Work, University of Kashmir, Mudit Pant, Chief Development Officer, REACHA, Mir Ubaid, State Lead, Smartpur, REACHA, along with senior officials from Agriculture, Horticulture, Animal Husbandry, Sheep Husbandry, Handicrafts and Handloom, Labour, Rural Development, Social Welfare, Mission Vatsalya, Civil Defence, SDRF, J&K Bank, Lead Bank, RSETI, KVK and other partner institutions.
A key feature of the programme was the Smartpur Experience Zone, where participants viewed a demonstration of a Smartpur Centre, including a digital learning classroom, digital service centre and community awareness activities.
The exhibition illustrated how the centres operate in remote villages to provide digital services, learning opportunities and access to government programmes.
Presentations during the event highlighted district-level interventions and achievements of the initiative. Government departments shared their experiences of collaborating with Smartpur, while beneficiaries spoke about how access to digital education, livelihood opportunities and public services had influenced their lives during a session titled “Voices from the Field.”
Addressing the gathering, Prof. Rehana Habib Kanth said technology had become essential for rural development and noted that initiatives such as Smartpur help connect remote communities with digital services, markets and government schemes.
Prof. Pervez Ahmed said the initiative offered a practical model for integrating technology with community development and emphasised the need to bridge the digital divide through greater access to technology and digital skills.
Tawseef Ishaq said digital empowerment should reach every section of society and stressed the importance of community participation and capacity building in expanding access to technology. He also appreciated the collaborative approach adopted under the initiative.
The programme concluded with a collaborative dialogue involving government departments, academic institutions, banking organisations and community stakeholders to discuss future partnerships and expansion of the Smartpur model across Jammu and Kashmir.
Representatives of REACHA reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening cooperation with partner institutions to improve access to digital opportunities, education, livelihoods and public services in rural areas. The event ended with a felicitation ceremony for partner organisations and a networking session.
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