The Indian Space Programme, started in the early 60s, has become largely self-reliant with the capability to design and build satellites for providing space services and to launch those using indigenously designed and developed launch vehicles. The Department of Space/ISRO has also been a champion in demonstrating the use of space technology for societal good and has piloted several socially relevant space application projects like the Satellite Instructional Television Experiment (SITE), the Training and Development Communication Channel (TDCC) and also the Jhabua Development Communications Project (JDCP).

Space-based services, emanating from Satellite Communication (SatCom) and Remote Sensing satellites hold considerable value in transforming the village society. Remote Sensing enables community centric spatial information up to cadastral level in terms of geo-referenced land records, natural resources, suitable sites for potable/drinking water as well as recharge, incidence of wastelands for reclamation through rural employment creation, watershed attributes, environment, infrastructure-related information, alternate cropping patterns, water harvesting, etc. Synthesising spatial information, along with other collateral and weather information and remote sensing also facilitates locale specific community advisory services. Disaster management support, community based vulnerability and risk-related information, early warning and extreme weather information dissemination mechanisms — all provide reliable disaster management support at the village level.

Shilam, a regular participant at the Niwari centre says, ‘Participating in the different programmes has changed my life. I gained access to so much knowledge outside of my town as also some very useful information about my town. This has helped me in improving my knowledge base.'

A partnership between ISRO and Development Alternatives (DA) was formed in order to disseminate the services emanating from the space systems as well as other Information Technology (IT) tools to the rural communities.

Over the years, the DA Group has built up several initiatives and networks at the field level in different parts of the country. The partnerships established by the DA group with over 600 NGOs and rural entrepreneurs across the states of Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Chattisgarh, Jharkhand and Bihar will play a crucial role in the implementation of the VRC programme.

TARAhaat was established as a social enterprise dedicated to bridging the digital divide between rural communities and the mainstream economy. It provides village communities, particularly the youth to access information and livelihood opportunities comparable to those available in urban India. A broad portfolio of services is offered through TARAkendras, the community knowledge cum business centre. Initial focus has been on vocational training, community development, information and e-governance through a host of programmes customised for local communities. The next generation of services focuses on the promotion of micro and small enterprises through a unique Enterprise Development Programme.

The entire network is underpinned by a sustainable business model. Customers pay a fair price while multiple revenue streams ensure the financial viability of each TARAkendra. The unique franchising model ensures that the bulk of the profits reside with the local franchisee, accelerating the growth of the centre. A robust training and support structure ensures the operational success of the franchisees. Simultaneously, the social enterprise model ensures a balance between the revenue and delivery of social services.

· Tele Medicine

· Tele Education

· Natural Resources Data

· Agriculture Advisories

· Land and Water Resources Advisories

· Interactive Farmers’ Advisories

· E-governance Services

· Weather advisories

DA’s first ISRO-VRC network in Bundelkhand, a region comprising 13 districts from Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh in central India, became operational in February 2007. Almost immediately, teams from DA and TARAhaat started delivering online programmes through the network. The initial programmes were mainly targeted at the unemployed educated youth. It took more than a month of sustained efforts for the programme delivery to become smooth, both in terms of content as well as technical snags. Through understanding the needs of the rural youth, evolved a format that has become fairly popular with an assured viewership. Every Saturday is reserved for feedback and entertainment, where local talent is tapped and the participants enthusiastically display their abilities, happy that they are reaching out to such a wide audience. Mondays are reserved for computer education where the interested people enhance their knowledge of IT. Tuesdays are kept free for building capacities of rural women through painting, making soft toys, and various other art and craft activities. Wednesdays are very popular with the youth as they are reserved for career counselling and personality development. Thursday is devoted to self employment and agriculture; this is a boon for individuals who need guidance on how to set up their own enterprise. Friday is an open day for general discussions covering topics relevant to bringing a change in rural society.

One of the highlights of the first year of operation was the joint celebration of the 100th episode along with the Independence Day celebrations. This turned out to be a huge success as people from the age group of 6 to 50 came in droves into the various telecentres, covering great distances to take part in the celebrations. Each VRC (a TARAhaat centre) showcased their own talent. All in all, it was a gala celebration indeed. Till date, approximately 200 programmes on different topics have been telecast. Many participants are so enthusiastic about the programmes that they never miss a single meeting. The ISRO-VRC network has started showing its impact on the participants.