From pilot projects to a mammoth national programme: The story of Mission 2007

The article describes the efforts of the M S Swaminathan Research Foundation (MSSRF) in promoting the use of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) to enhance development in rural India. It focuses on the success of village knowledge centers, particularly in Veerampattinam, where access to technology has improved safety for fishermen, empowered women, and assisted in disaster management. The initiative emphasizes bottom-up development, with technology being used to deliver critical information, improve livelihoods, and bridge social gaps. The article highlights the large-scale Mission 2007 program, aiming to set up knowledge centers in all 637,000 villages in India, fostering collaboration among various stakeholders to drive rural prosperity through ICT and knowledge sharing.