Muchinthala is first digital village in country

Mahabubnagar: A remote village, Muchinthala in Chinna Chintakunta mandal of Mahabubnagar district, has achieved the distinction of becoming the first digital village in the country with full of computers, thanks to the facilities being provided by the Dream Village Foundation for the last several years. Rather strangely, it lacks basic infrastructure like roads, bus transport and others. However, it is in the forefront regarding development among all villages in the district.

In a happy and welcome development even farmers have become well-versed in operating computers. With the power of acquired know-how now they are able to take up modern practices with the assistance of the National Digital Literacy Mission. All these developments have become possible with Kunchem Balu, one of the directors of Cognizant Technology Solutions, marrying a local woman.

During frequent visits to Mucchintala he noticed that it lacked even basic facilities. Moved by the plight of the people in the backward area, Balu set up the Dream Village Foundation and took up several development works, including drinking water RO plants, in coordination with Cognizant Technology Solutions.

The techie developed local school, adding more classrooms and computers connectivity, incurring personal expenditure. He arranged free training for women in tailoring. They have now been able to earn their livelihood. Balu also established a library, with the aim of creating social awareness among youth. He brought the world closer to the village by introducing Internet connection.

Local residents have lauded the efforts Balu, who, by adopting the village has brought about a turnaround in their fortunes in the perennially drought-affected district. They want the ruling party leadership to usher in development with the coordinated efforts of voluntary agencies, citing the example set by Balu.