Kurukshetra Magazine August 2024 - 1 | Current Affairs & Hindu Analysis: Daily, Weekly & Monthly - UPSC PDF Download

 Page 2


3 Kurukshetra       August  2024
A Journal on Rural Development 
Vol. 72 | No. 10 | Pages 52 | August 2024
Kurukshetra seeks to carry the message of 
Rural Development to all people. It serves as 
a forum for free, frank and serious discussion 
on the problems of Rural Development with 
special focus on Rural Uplift.
The views expressed by the authors in the 
articles are their own. They do not necessarily 
reflect the views of the Government or the 
organisations they work for.
The readers are requested to verify the claims 
in the advertisements regarding career 
guidance books/institutions. Kurukshetra 
does not own responsibility. Maps used are 
for illustration & study purpose and may not 
strictly conform to the official map. Images, 
graphics and illustrations, wherever used, are 
mostly sourced from government channels 
and are indicative in nature. Final Editing 
rights will vest with Kurukshetra Team.
Sales Emporia : ? Delhi - BM (I/c), Publications Division, CGO Complex, Soochna Bhavan, Lodhi Road, New Delhi-110003 
(011-24365609); Hall No. 196, Old Secretariat, Delhi 110054 (011-23890205) ? Kolkata - 8, Esplanade East, Kolkata-700069 
(033-22482576) ?? Mumbai - 701, C-Wing, 7
th
 Floor, Kendriya Sadan, Belapur, Navi Mumbai-400614 (022-27570686)  
? Chennai - ‘A’ Wing, Rajaji Bhawan, Besant Nagar, Chennai - 600090 (044-24917673) ? t hiruvananthapuram - Press 
Road, Near Govt. Press, Thiruvananthpuram - 6950001 (0471-2330650) ? Hyderabad - Room No. 204, 2
nd
 Floor, C.G.O. 
Towers, Kavadiguda, Hyderabad-500080 (040-27535383) ? Bengaluru - Floor, ‘F’ Wing, Kendriya Sadan, Koramangala, 
Bengaluru - 560034 (080-25537244) ? Patna - Bihar State Co-operative, Bank Building, Ashoka Rajpath, Patna-800004 
(0612-2675823) ? Lucknow - Hall No. 1, 2
nd
 Floor, Kendriya Bhawan, Sector – H, Aliganj, Lucknow - 226024 (0522-2325455) 
? Ahmedabad - Sales Unit, Publications Division, 4-C, Neptune Tower, 4
th
 Floor, Nr HP Petrol Pump, Nehru Bridge Corner, 
Ashram Road, Ahmedabad Gujarat -380009 (079-26588669), ? Guwahati – Assam Khadi & Village Industries Board 
Complex, PO.-Silpukhuri, Chandmari, Guwahati-781003 (0361-4083136)
CHiEf EDitor  
Kulshrestha Kamal
SEnior EDitor  
Sukhchain Singh
SuB EDitor  
Akshit Malik
Joint DirEC tor (ProDuC tion)
D.K.C. Hrudhainath
Co VEr DESiGn 
Rajender Kumar
EDitoriAL offiCE 
Room No. 653,  
Publications Division,  
Soochna Bhawan, C.G.O. Complex,  
Lodhi Road, New Delhi-110003 
Phone : 011-24362859  
Email : kurukshetrajournal@gmail.com
For Subscription Enquiries,  
Grievances, Renewals and Agency  
Information, Please Contact:
Journals unit  
Publications Division, Room No. 779,  
Soochna Bhawan, C.G.O. Complex,  
Lodhi Road, New Delhi-110 003
(Monday-Friday, 9:30 AM-6:00 PM)
Phone : 24367453, FAx: 24365610
Email : pdjucir@gmail.com
Website : publicationsdivision.nic.in
@publicationsdivision
@DPD_India
@dpd_India
For Online Sale, please log on to  
bharatkosh.gov.in/product, and for  
e-books, please visit Google Play  
or Amazon.
Subscription 
1 Year : ` 230
Contents
5 From Classrooms to Screens
Future of Learning with  
Digital Education
Rajnish Kumar
11 e-learning Barriers in
Rural India and Way Forward
Balendu Sharma Dadhich
17 e-learning 
Artificial Intelligence Transforming 
the Learning Landscape in India
Himanshu Joshi, Garima Ujjainia
23 e-GramSwaraj : Simplified work based 
Accounting Application for Panchayati Raj
26 Highlights of the Union Budget 2024-25
29 Skilling for the Future with E-Learning
Jyoti S. Verma
36 Bridging the Gap 
e-learning as a Catalyst for  
Health and Nutrition Awareness
Dr Akanksha Jain
45 Digital Education in 21
st
 century
Positive Outlooks and Challenges
Ms. Rashi Sharma, Ms. Purabi Pattanayak
Page 3


3 Kurukshetra       August  2024
A Journal on Rural Development 
Vol. 72 | No. 10 | Pages 52 | August 2024
Kurukshetra seeks to carry the message of 
Rural Development to all people. It serves as 
a forum for free, frank and serious discussion 
on the problems of Rural Development with 
special focus on Rural Uplift.
The views expressed by the authors in the 
articles are their own. They do not necessarily 
reflect the views of the Government or the 
organisations they work for.
The readers are requested to verify the claims 
in the advertisements regarding career 
guidance books/institutions. Kurukshetra 
does not own responsibility. Maps used are 
for illustration & study purpose and may not 
strictly conform to the official map. Images, 
graphics and illustrations, wherever used, are 
mostly sourced from government channels 
and are indicative in nature. Final Editing 
rights will vest with Kurukshetra Team.
Sales Emporia : ? Delhi - BM (I/c), Publications Division, CGO Complex, Soochna Bhavan, Lodhi Road, New Delhi-110003 
(011-24365609); Hall No. 196, Old Secretariat, Delhi 110054 (011-23890205) ? Kolkata - 8, Esplanade East, Kolkata-700069 
(033-22482576) ?? Mumbai - 701, C-Wing, 7
th
 Floor, Kendriya Sadan, Belapur, Navi Mumbai-400614 (022-27570686)  
? Chennai - ‘A’ Wing, Rajaji Bhawan, Besant Nagar, Chennai - 600090 (044-24917673) ? t hiruvananthapuram - Press 
Road, Near Govt. Press, Thiruvananthpuram - 6950001 (0471-2330650) ? Hyderabad - Room No. 204, 2
nd
 Floor, C.G.O. 
Towers, Kavadiguda, Hyderabad-500080 (040-27535383) ? Bengaluru - Floor, ‘F’ Wing, Kendriya Sadan, Koramangala, 
Bengaluru - 560034 (080-25537244) ? Patna - Bihar State Co-operative, Bank Building, Ashoka Rajpath, Patna-800004 
(0612-2675823) ? Lucknow - Hall No. 1, 2
nd
 Floor, Kendriya Bhawan, Sector – H, Aliganj, Lucknow - 226024 (0522-2325455) 
? Ahmedabad - Sales Unit, Publications Division, 4-C, Neptune Tower, 4
th
 Floor, Nr HP Petrol Pump, Nehru Bridge Corner, 
Ashram Road, Ahmedabad Gujarat -380009 (079-26588669), ? Guwahati – Assam Khadi & Village Industries Board 
Complex, PO.-Silpukhuri, Chandmari, Guwahati-781003 (0361-4083136)
CHiEf EDitor  
Kulshrestha Kamal
SEnior EDitor  
Sukhchain Singh
SuB EDitor  
Akshit Malik
Joint DirEC tor (ProDuC tion)
D.K.C. Hrudhainath
Co VEr DESiGn 
Rajender Kumar
EDitoriAL offiCE 
Room No. 653,  
Publications Division,  
Soochna Bhawan, C.G.O. Complex,  
Lodhi Road, New Delhi-110003 
Phone : 011-24362859  
Email : kurukshetrajournal@gmail.com
For Subscription Enquiries,  
Grievances, Renewals and Agency  
Information, Please Contact:
Journals unit  
Publications Division, Room No. 779,  
Soochna Bhawan, C.G.O. Complex,  
Lodhi Road, New Delhi-110 003
(Monday-Friday, 9:30 AM-6:00 PM)
Phone : 24367453, FAx: 24365610
Email : pdjucir@gmail.com
Website : publicationsdivision.nic.in
@publicationsdivision
@DPD_India
@dpd_India
For Online Sale, please log on to  
bharatkosh.gov.in/product, and for  
e-books, please visit Google Play  
or Amazon.
Subscription 
1 Year : ` 230
Contents
5 From Classrooms to Screens
Future of Learning with  
Digital Education
Rajnish Kumar
11 e-learning Barriers in
Rural India and Way Forward
Balendu Sharma Dadhich
17 e-learning 
Artificial Intelligence Transforming 
the Learning Landscape in India
Himanshu Joshi, Garima Ujjainia
23 e-GramSwaraj : Simplified work based 
Accounting Application for Panchayati Raj
26 Highlights of the Union Budget 2024-25
29 Skilling for the Future with E-Learning
Jyoti S. Verma
36 Bridging the Gap 
e-learning as a Catalyst for  
Health and Nutrition Awareness
Dr Akanksha Jain
45 Digital Education in 21
st
 century
Positive Outlooks and Challenges
Ms. Rashi Sharma, Ms. Purabi Pattanayak
4 Kurukshetra       August  2024
I
n the wake of unprecedented global challenges, the realm of education has witnessed a 
profound shift towards digital platforms, particularly in a country as diverse and populous 
as India. E-learning, once a supplementary tool, has now emerged as a cornerstone in the 
educational landscape, offering immense potential to equal access to knowledge and foster 
inclusive learning environments.
One of the most notable advantages of e-learning is its ability to transcend physical boundaries. 
In a country where rural areas often lack adequate educational infrastructure, digital platforms 
offer a lifeline. Students can access courses, materials, and expert instruction regardless of their 
location, thereby levelling the playing field and empowering learners from all backgrounds.
During the COVID-19 pandemic the adoption of e-learning in India accelerated extensively, 
albeit under challenging circumstances. Schools, colleges and universities swiftly turned to online 
modes to ensure continuity in education. While initial hurdles such as internet connectivity and 
digital literacy were evident, the resilience and adaptability showcased by teachers and students 
alike underscored the potential of e-learning to transform education delivery.
Digital India is a flagship programme of Government of India with a vision to transform India 
into a digitally empowered society and knowledge economy to enable its citizens avail Government 
services electronically and easy-of-use. Initiatives like e-health, e-education and wide ranging 
variety of citizen-centric services, large–scale skill development programmes are also adding great 
value to the rural economy. And to popularise e-learning, the Government of India has launched 
many digital based schemes for education, healthcare, banking, skill development, and agriculture 
sectors and working relentlessly to strengthen the digital infrastructure in rural areas.
However, in India, the journey towards embracing e-learning is not without its challenges. 
Disparities in access to technology and internet connectivity persist, particularly in rural and 
poor communities. Addressing these gaps requires concerted efforts from both government and 
private sectors to ensure equitable access to devices, internet infrastructure, and digital literacy 
programmes. 
While e-learning in India has made significant strides, its full potential is yet to be realised. By 
addressing infrastructure gaps, ensuring content quality, and fostering digital inclusivity, India can 
harness the transformative power of e-learning to empower its youth, drive economic growth, 
and contribute to a knowledge-driven society.
E-learning being a vast subject, it is not possible to touch upon and to delve into every facet 
of it, however, all efforts have been made to cover the main aspects like Artificial Intelligence, skill 
development , social and economic impact in rural India and future of E-learning in this issue of 
Kurukshetra. We hope that readers will get ample knowledge and information about the present 
scenario of E-learning in India. ?
Page 4


3 Kurukshetra       August  2024
A Journal on Rural Development 
Vol. 72 | No. 10 | Pages 52 | August 2024
Kurukshetra seeks to carry the message of 
Rural Development to all people. It serves as 
a forum for free, frank and serious discussion 
on the problems of Rural Development with 
special focus on Rural Uplift.
The views expressed by the authors in the 
articles are their own. They do not necessarily 
reflect the views of the Government or the 
organisations they work for.
The readers are requested to verify the claims 
in the advertisements regarding career 
guidance books/institutions. Kurukshetra 
does not own responsibility. Maps used are 
for illustration & study purpose and may not 
strictly conform to the official map. Images, 
graphics and illustrations, wherever used, are 
mostly sourced from government channels 
and are indicative in nature. Final Editing 
rights will vest with Kurukshetra Team.
Sales Emporia : ? Delhi - BM (I/c), Publications Division, CGO Complex, Soochna Bhavan, Lodhi Road, New Delhi-110003 
(011-24365609); Hall No. 196, Old Secretariat, Delhi 110054 (011-23890205) ? Kolkata - 8, Esplanade East, Kolkata-700069 
(033-22482576) ?? Mumbai - 701, C-Wing, 7
th
 Floor, Kendriya Sadan, Belapur, Navi Mumbai-400614 (022-27570686)  
? Chennai - ‘A’ Wing, Rajaji Bhawan, Besant Nagar, Chennai - 600090 (044-24917673) ? t hiruvananthapuram - Press 
Road, Near Govt. Press, Thiruvananthpuram - 6950001 (0471-2330650) ? Hyderabad - Room No. 204, 2
nd
 Floor, C.G.O. 
Towers, Kavadiguda, Hyderabad-500080 (040-27535383) ? Bengaluru - Floor, ‘F’ Wing, Kendriya Sadan, Koramangala, 
Bengaluru - 560034 (080-25537244) ? Patna - Bihar State Co-operative, Bank Building, Ashoka Rajpath, Patna-800004 
(0612-2675823) ? Lucknow - Hall No. 1, 2
nd
 Floor, Kendriya Bhawan, Sector – H, Aliganj, Lucknow - 226024 (0522-2325455) 
? Ahmedabad - Sales Unit, Publications Division, 4-C, Neptune Tower, 4
th
 Floor, Nr HP Petrol Pump, Nehru Bridge Corner, 
Ashram Road, Ahmedabad Gujarat -380009 (079-26588669), ? Guwahati – Assam Khadi & Village Industries Board 
Complex, PO.-Silpukhuri, Chandmari, Guwahati-781003 (0361-4083136)
CHiEf EDitor  
Kulshrestha Kamal
SEnior EDitor  
Sukhchain Singh
SuB EDitor  
Akshit Malik
Joint DirEC tor (ProDuC tion)
D.K.C. Hrudhainath
Co VEr DESiGn 
Rajender Kumar
EDitoriAL offiCE 
Room No. 653,  
Publications Division,  
Soochna Bhawan, C.G.O. Complex,  
Lodhi Road, New Delhi-110003 
Phone : 011-24362859  
Email : kurukshetrajournal@gmail.com
For Subscription Enquiries,  
Grievances, Renewals and Agency  
Information, Please Contact:
Journals unit  
Publications Division, Room No. 779,  
Soochna Bhawan, C.G.O. Complex,  
Lodhi Road, New Delhi-110 003
(Monday-Friday, 9:30 AM-6:00 PM)
Phone : 24367453, FAx: 24365610
Email : pdjucir@gmail.com
Website : publicationsdivision.nic.in
@publicationsdivision
@DPD_India
@dpd_India
For Online Sale, please log on to  
bharatkosh.gov.in/product, and for  
e-books, please visit Google Play  
or Amazon.
Subscription 
1 Year : ` 230
Contents
5 From Classrooms to Screens
Future of Learning with  
Digital Education
Rajnish Kumar
11 e-learning Barriers in
Rural India and Way Forward
Balendu Sharma Dadhich
17 e-learning 
Artificial Intelligence Transforming 
the Learning Landscape in India
Himanshu Joshi, Garima Ujjainia
23 e-GramSwaraj : Simplified work based 
Accounting Application for Panchayati Raj
26 Highlights of the Union Budget 2024-25
29 Skilling for the Future with E-Learning
Jyoti S. Verma
36 Bridging the Gap 
e-learning as a Catalyst for  
Health and Nutrition Awareness
Dr Akanksha Jain
45 Digital Education in 21
st
 century
Positive Outlooks and Challenges
Ms. Rashi Sharma, Ms. Purabi Pattanayak
4 Kurukshetra       August  2024
I
n the wake of unprecedented global challenges, the realm of education has witnessed a 
profound shift towards digital platforms, particularly in a country as diverse and populous 
as India. E-learning, once a supplementary tool, has now emerged as a cornerstone in the 
educational landscape, offering immense potential to equal access to knowledge and foster 
inclusive learning environments.
One of the most notable advantages of e-learning is its ability to transcend physical boundaries. 
In a country where rural areas often lack adequate educational infrastructure, digital platforms 
offer a lifeline. Students can access courses, materials, and expert instruction regardless of their 
location, thereby levelling the playing field and empowering learners from all backgrounds.
During the COVID-19 pandemic the adoption of e-learning in India accelerated extensively, 
albeit under challenging circumstances. Schools, colleges and universities swiftly turned to online 
modes to ensure continuity in education. While initial hurdles such as internet connectivity and 
digital literacy were evident, the resilience and adaptability showcased by teachers and students 
alike underscored the potential of e-learning to transform education delivery.
Digital India is a flagship programme of Government of India with a vision to transform India 
into a digitally empowered society and knowledge economy to enable its citizens avail Government 
services electronically and easy-of-use. Initiatives like e-health, e-education and wide ranging 
variety of citizen-centric services, large–scale skill development programmes are also adding great 
value to the rural economy. And to popularise e-learning, the Government of India has launched 
many digital based schemes for education, healthcare, banking, skill development, and agriculture 
sectors and working relentlessly to strengthen the digital infrastructure in rural areas.
However, in India, the journey towards embracing e-learning is not without its challenges. 
Disparities in access to technology and internet connectivity persist, particularly in rural and 
poor communities. Addressing these gaps requires concerted efforts from both government and 
private sectors to ensure equitable access to devices, internet infrastructure, and digital literacy 
programmes. 
While e-learning in India has made significant strides, its full potential is yet to be realised. By 
addressing infrastructure gaps, ensuring content quality, and fostering digital inclusivity, India can 
harness the transformative power of e-learning to empower its youth, drive economic growth, 
and contribute to a knowledge-driven society.
E-learning being a vast subject, it is not possible to touch upon and to delve into every facet 
of it, however, all efforts have been made to cover the main aspects like Artificial Intelligence, skill 
development , social and economic impact in rural India and future of E-learning in this issue of 
Kurukshetra. We hope that readers will get ample knowledge and information about the present 
scenario of E-learning in India. ?
If you want to teach people a way of thinking, don’t bother trying to teach them. Instead, give them a 
tool, the use of which will lead to new ways of thinking.
– Richard Buckminster Fuller
*Rajnish Kumar 
* The author is a Chief Operating Officer, National e-Governance Division, (Ministry of Electronics and IT) & former Director  
  (Digital Education), Ministry of Education, New Delhi. Email: rajnish.kumar1@gov.in
omplexity in the field of education is 
a rapidly emerging challenge. Rigidity 
and the inability to swiftly adjust 
to evolving circumstances pose 
persistent obstacles to the success of 
educational institutions. In our progressively dynamic 
and unpredictable world, educators and learners 
alike must navigate constant change and confront an 
environment characterised by numerous exceptions. 
These challenges are growing more crucial as 
educational institutions encounter fiercer competition, 
expand their global reach, intensify outsourcing, and 
contend with an increasingly turbulent world.
The history of technology in education is a fascinating 
journey that spans several decades. From the early use 
of audio-visual aids to the integration of computers 
and the internet, technology has played a significant 
role in transforming the educational landscape. In 
the early 20th century, educational institutions began 
incorporating audio-visual aids such as film projectors, 
slide projectors, and educational films to enhance 
classroom instruction. These aids brought visual and 
auditory elements into the learning environment.
Then in the 1950s and 1960s, television sets 
became more accessible, leading to the emergence 
of educational television programs. Educational 
C
From Classrooms to Screens: 
Future of Learning with Digital Education
The future of learning with digital education holds immense promise. Advancements in 
artificial intelligence (AI), virtual reality (VR), and augmented reality (AR) technologies 
are poised to further revolutionise educational experiences.
Page 5


3 Kurukshetra       August  2024
A Journal on Rural Development 
Vol. 72 | No. 10 | Pages 52 | August 2024
Kurukshetra seeks to carry the message of 
Rural Development to all people. It serves as 
a forum for free, frank and serious discussion 
on the problems of Rural Development with 
special focus on Rural Uplift.
The views expressed by the authors in the 
articles are their own. They do not necessarily 
reflect the views of the Government or the 
organisations they work for.
The readers are requested to verify the claims 
in the advertisements regarding career 
guidance books/institutions. Kurukshetra 
does not own responsibility. Maps used are 
for illustration & study purpose and may not 
strictly conform to the official map. Images, 
graphics and illustrations, wherever used, are 
mostly sourced from government channels 
and are indicative in nature. Final Editing 
rights will vest with Kurukshetra Team.
Sales Emporia : ? Delhi - BM (I/c), Publications Division, CGO Complex, Soochna Bhavan, Lodhi Road, New Delhi-110003 
(011-24365609); Hall No. 196, Old Secretariat, Delhi 110054 (011-23890205) ? Kolkata - 8, Esplanade East, Kolkata-700069 
(033-22482576) ?? Mumbai - 701, C-Wing, 7
th
 Floor, Kendriya Sadan, Belapur, Navi Mumbai-400614 (022-27570686)  
? Chennai - ‘A’ Wing, Rajaji Bhawan, Besant Nagar, Chennai - 600090 (044-24917673) ? t hiruvananthapuram - Press 
Road, Near Govt. Press, Thiruvananthpuram - 6950001 (0471-2330650) ? Hyderabad - Room No. 204, 2
nd
 Floor, C.G.O. 
Towers, Kavadiguda, Hyderabad-500080 (040-27535383) ? Bengaluru - Floor, ‘F’ Wing, Kendriya Sadan, Koramangala, 
Bengaluru - 560034 (080-25537244) ? Patna - Bihar State Co-operative, Bank Building, Ashoka Rajpath, Patna-800004 
(0612-2675823) ? Lucknow - Hall No. 1, 2
nd
 Floor, Kendriya Bhawan, Sector – H, Aliganj, Lucknow - 226024 (0522-2325455) 
? Ahmedabad - Sales Unit, Publications Division, 4-C, Neptune Tower, 4
th
 Floor, Nr HP Petrol Pump, Nehru Bridge Corner, 
Ashram Road, Ahmedabad Gujarat -380009 (079-26588669), ? Guwahati – Assam Khadi & Village Industries Board 
Complex, PO.-Silpukhuri, Chandmari, Guwahati-781003 (0361-4083136)
CHiEf EDitor  
Kulshrestha Kamal
SEnior EDitor  
Sukhchain Singh
SuB EDitor  
Akshit Malik
Joint DirEC tor (ProDuC tion)
D.K.C. Hrudhainath
Co VEr DESiGn 
Rajender Kumar
EDitoriAL offiCE 
Room No. 653,  
Publications Division,  
Soochna Bhawan, C.G.O. Complex,  
Lodhi Road, New Delhi-110003 
Phone : 011-24362859  
Email : kurukshetrajournal@gmail.com
For Subscription Enquiries,  
Grievances, Renewals and Agency  
Information, Please Contact:
Journals unit  
Publications Division, Room No. 779,  
Soochna Bhawan, C.G.O. Complex,  
Lodhi Road, New Delhi-110 003
(Monday-Friday, 9:30 AM-6:00 PM)
Phone : 24367453, FAx: 24365610
Email : pdjucir@gmail.com
Website : publicationsdivision.nic.in
@publicationsdivision
@DPD_India
@dpd_India
For Online Sale, please log on to  
bharatkosh.gov.in/product, and for  
e-books, please visit Google Play  
or Amazon.
Subscription 
1 Year : ` 230
Contents
5 From Classrooms to Screens
Future of Learning with  
Digital Education
Rajnish Kumar
11 e-learning Barriers in
Rural India and Way Forward
Balendu Sharma Dadhich
17 e-learning 
Artificial Intelligence Transforming 
the Learning Landscape in India
Himanshu Joshi, Garima Ujjainia
23 e-GramSwaraj : Simplified work based 
Accounting Application for Panchayati Raj
26 Highlights of the Union Budget 2024-25
29 Skilling for the Future with E-Learning
Jyoti S. Verma
36 Bridging the Gap 
e-learning as a Catalyst for  
Health and Nutrition Awareness
Dr Akanksha Jain
45 Digital Education in 21
st
 century
Positive Outlooks and Challenges
Ms. Rashi Sharma, Ms. Purabi Pattanayak
4 Kurukshetra       August  2024
I
n the wake of unprecedented global challenges, the realm of education has witnessed a 
profound shift towards digital platforms, particularly in a country as diverse and populous 
as India. E-learning, once a supplementary tool, has now emerged as a cornerstone in the 
educational landscape, offering immense potential to equal access to knowledge and foster 
inclusive learning environments.
One of the most notable advantages of e-learning is its ability to transcend physical boundaries. 
In a country where rural areas often lack adequate educational infrastructure, digital platforms 
offer a lifeline. Students can access courses, materials, and expert instruction regardless of their 
location, thereby levelling the playing field and empowering learners from all backgrounds.
During the COVID-19 pandemic the adoption of e-learning in India accelerated extensively, 
albeit under challenging circumstances. Schools, colleges and universities swiftly turned to online 
modes to ensure continuity in education. While initial hurdles such as internet connectivity and 
digital literacy were evident, the resilience and adaptability showcased by teachers and students 
alike underscored the potential of e-learning to transform education delivery.
Digital India is a flagship programme of Government of India with a vision to transform India 
into a digitally empowered society and knowledge economy to enable its citizens avail Government 
services electronically and easy-of-use. Initiatives like e-health, e-education and wide ranging 
variety of citizen-centric services, large–scale skill development programmes are also adding great 
value to the rural economy. And to popularise e-learning, the Government of India has launched 
many digital based schemes for education, healthcare, banking, skill development, and agriculture 
sectors and working relentlessly to strengthen the digital infrastructure in rural areas.
However, in India, the journey towards embracing e-learning is not without its challenges. 
Disparities in access to technology and internet connectivity persist, particularly in rural and 
poor communities. Addressing these gaps requires concerted efforts from both government and 
private sectors to ensure equitable access to devices, internet infrastructure, and digital literacy 
programmes. 
While e-learning in India has made significant strides, its full potential is yet to be realised. By 
addressing infrastructure gaps, ensuring content quality, and fostering digital inclusivity, India can 
harness the transformative power of e-learning to empower its youth, drive economic growth, 
and contribute to a knowledge-driven society.
E-learning being a vast subject, it is not possible to touch upon and to delve into every facet 
of it, however, all efforts have been made to cover the main aspects like Artificial Intelligence, skill 
development , social and economic impact in rural India and future of E-learning in this issue of 
Kurukshetra. We hope that readers will get ample knowledge and information about the present 
scenario of E-learning in India. ?
If you want to teach people a way of thinking, don’t bother trying to teach them. Instead, give them a 
tool, the use of which will lead to new ways of thinking.
– Richard Buckminster Fuller
*Rajnish Kumar 
* The author is a Chief Operating Officer, National e-Governance Division, (Ministry of Electronics and IT) & former Director  
  (Digital Education), Ministry of Education, New Delhi. Email: rajnish.kumar1@gov.in
omplexity in the field of education is 
a rapidly emerging challenge. Rigidity 
and the inability to swiftly adjust 
to evolving circumstances pose 
persistent obstacles to the success of 
educational institutions. In our progressively dynamic 
and unpredictable world, educators and learners 
alike must navigate constant change and confront an 
environment characterised by numerous exceptions. 
These challenges are growing more crucial as 
educational institutions encounter fiercer competition, 
expand their global reach, intensify outsourcing, and 
contend with an increasingly turbulent world.
The history of technology in education is a fascinating 
journey that spans several decades. From the early use 
of audio-visual aids to the integration of computers 
and the internet, technology has played a significant 
role in transforming the educational landscape. In 
the early 20th century, educational institutions began 
incorporating audio-visual aids such as film projectors, 
slide projectors, and educational films to enhance 
classroom instruction. These aids brought visual and 
auditory elements into the learning environment.
Then in the 1950s and 1960s, television sets 
became more accessible, leading to the emergence 
of educational television programs. Educational 
C
From Classrooms to Screens: 
Future of Learning with Digital Education
The future of learning with digital education holds immense promise. Advancements in 
artificial intelligence (AI), virtual reality (VR), and augmented reality (AR) technologies 
are poised to further revolutionise educational experiences.
6 Kurukshetra       August  2024
broadcasting allowed students to access educational 
content from their homes, expanding learning 
opportunities beyond the classroom.
The introduction of computers in the 1970s marked 
a significant milestone in educational technology. Early 
computer systems were large and expensive, but they 
paved the way for computer-assisted instruction (CAI). 
Programs like PLATO (Programmed Logic for Automatic 
Teaching Operations) offered interactive learning 
experiences and personalised instruction.
The advent of the internet in the 1990s 
revolutionised education. It enabled the creation of 
online learning platforms, virtual classrooms, and 
collaborative tools. Distance learning became more 
accessible, and students could access a wealth of 
information and resources from around the world.
With the advancement of technology, multimedia 
elements such as graphics, videos, and interactive 
simulations became integral to educational software 
and digital learning materials. This multimedia approach 
enhanced engagement and interactivity in the learning 
process.
Technology has enabled enhanced collaboration 
and communication among learners and educators. 
Online discussion boards, video conferencing tools, 
and collaborative platforms facilitate communication, 
knowledge sharing, and remote learning opportunities.
These milestones demonstrate how technology 
has evolved and become increasingly integrated 
into educational practices, empowering educators, 
expanding access to knowledge, and transforming the 
learning experience for students worldwide.
It is important to define the terms: EdTech and 
Digital learning.
EdTech (Education Technology) includes a wide 
range of technologies, hardware, software, services 
and digital resources used to conduct, support or 
enhance teaching and learning, and facilitate education 
management and operations.
Digital learning is the teaching and learning process 
that entails the use of digital technologies, including 
online or offline environments, using distance, hybrid or 
in- person modalities.
In the early 20
th 
century, Thomas Edison, promoted 
mechanical instruction as an application of his motion 
picture patents. Edison claimed in 1922 that current 
textbooks functioned at only “two percent efficiency.” 
“The education of the future, as I see it,” he continued, 
“will be conducted through the medium of the motion 
picture, a visualised education, where it should be 
possible to obtain one hundred percent efficiency.” 
But Edison soon shut down the programme and 
problem was that instead of working with teachers and 
addressing their classroom challenges, Edison evidently 
believed his prestige would lead educators to revise 
their curricula around his catalogue.
The Rise of Digital Education
The rise of digital education can be attributed to 
the rapid advancement of technology. The proliferation 
of computers, the internet, and mobile devices has 
opened up new avenues for educational experiences. 
Digital education refers to the use of digital tools, 
resources, and platforms to facilitate teaching 
and learning processes. It encompasses various 
forms, including online courses, virtual classrooms, 
educational apps, multimedia content, and interactive 
simulations.
Facets of Digital Education
Digital education offers numerous benefits that 
have contributed to its growing popularity. Firstly, it