“Can a remote school in the Himalayas, tucked away from modern conveniences, truly connect with the world?”
This question lingered as we received an email from Manjushree Vidyapith, a humble yet transformative school in Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh. Their challenge? Stable internet connectivity—a hurdle that restricted their operations, including maintaining contact with international donors who sustain much of their work.
Manjushree Vidyapith, a sanctuary for orphans, destitute, and physically challenged children, stands as a beacon of hope in one of India’s most remote regions. For over 25 years, the school has nurtured its students’ spiritual, intellectual, physical, and social growth. Despite limited resources, they’ve empowered children to become contributing members of society. Yet, their efforts were stymied by the absence of reliable internet, a necessity in today’s interconnected world.
Tawang, a remote district perched at over 10,000 feet, faces significant educational challenges. According to reports, Arunachal Pradesh has a literacy rate of 65.38%, well below the national average of 77.7%. Factors like difficult terrain, lack of infrastructure, and limited resources mean that many children in Tawang and similar regions have restricted access to quality education. The situation worsens when digital learning—now an integral part of modern education—remains out of reach for most schools.
The Journey to Connection
Our journey began in November 2020, traveling over 2,500 kilometers from Maharashtra to Tawang. The roads twisted through towering cliffs and icy passes, every turn emphasizing the isolation of this region. Upon reaching Manjushree, the scale of the challenge became clear.
The school, surrounded by the rugged Himalayas, had no mobile network, let alone internet connectivity. Even conducting our feasibility survey—a task requiring basic connectivity—proved difficult. We set up temporary shop in a small café in the town center, the only place with a faint internet signal.
Hours of work followed, testing, recalculating, and reimagining how to bring stable connectivity to the school. The task was daunting. In regions like these, conventional solutions like satellite internet are fraught with issues—frequent cloud cover disrupts signals, speeds are inconsistent, and maintenance is nearly impossible without local support teams.
Our plan was ambitious but grounded: a wireless network leveraging a fiber-optic-connected tower nearby. But wireless technology in such terrain comes with its own hurdles—it requires a clear line of sight between connection points. Identifying these points amidst snow-covered peaks and dense forests was like finding needles in a haystack.
Yet, after meticulous planning and countless cups of tea, we identified a potential link: a mountain peak offering a direct line of sight to the school. It was a small victory on a journey filled with uncertainty.
Making the Impossible Possible
Five months later, we returned with equipment in hand and hope in our hearts. Setting up the infrastructure tested every ounce of our determination. Hiking through steep trails, battling freezing temperatures, and troubleshooting technical challenges in real time—each step was a reminder of the sheer remoteness of Manjushree.
But finally, the connection came to life. The first test email sent from the school was a milestone that reverberated far beyond the walls of Manjushree Vidyapith.
The Transformative Impact
Connectivity has redefined what is possible for the Manjushree community:
Revolutionizing Education Students now have access to online educational tools, virtual classrooms, and resources that were previously beyond their reach. Concepts like coding, virtual experiments, and global collaborations have entered their curriculum, opening doors to opportunities that seemed unimaginable just a year ago.
Strengthening Donor Relations With stable internet, the school can communicate seamlessly with its international donors, ensuring continued financial and operational support. The transparency and ease of communication have strengthened these relationships, securing the school’s future.
Empowering Teachers and Administration Teachers now utilize digital teaching aids, enriching the learning experience. Administrative tasks, from student records to resource management, have become more efficient, allowing the staff to focus more on their mission.
Building Global Connections The internet has brought the world to Manjushree. Students watch documentaries, participate in global conversations, and dream bigger dreams. It’s not just connectivity; it’s a lifeline to hope and inspiration.
Beyond Technology: A Lesson in Humanity
This project wasn’t just about installing equipment; it was about bridging gaps—technological, geographical, and societal. Manjushree taught us that the challenges of remote connectivity are not just logistical but deeply human.
The school’s spirit of compassion and resilience left an indelible mark on us. Their dedication to nurturing children from the most disadvantaged backgrounds, despite limited resources, exemplifies the kind of determination that moves mountains—sometimes literally.
In turn, we were reminded of the profound responsibility we carry in our work. Internet connectivity is not a luxury; it is a fundamental enabler of equality and opportunity.
A Brighter Future
Today, Manjushree Vidyapith stands as a shining example of what’s possible when technology meets purpose. The school’s journey from isolation to integration is a testament to the power of collective effort and the transformative potential of connectivity.
As we reflect on this project, we’re not just proud of the technical success but deeply grateful for the human connections it fostered. The internet at Manjushree isn’t just a tool; it’s a bridge to a brighter, more inclusive future for every child who calls this school home.
The story of Manjushree Vidyapith is a reminder: No place is too remote, and no challenge is insurmountable when driven by the belief that every child deserves a chance to dream, connect, and thrive.
“How do you chase big dreams when the rules of the game suddenly change?”
For these schoolgirls in Turtuk, Ladakh, this question isn’t just rhetorical—it’s their reality. After Article 370 was revoked and Ladakh became a Union Territory, their education system shifted from the simpler Jammu & Kashmir State Board to the more rigorous CBSE curriculum. The change hit hardest after their 10th grade, leaving them unprepared for the academic leap required to clear their 12th board exams.
A Struggle Against the Odds
Turtuk, with its breathtaking landscapes and resilient people, is also a place of educational roadblocks. Limited teachers, outdated textbooks, and societal pressures already made learning a challenge. Now, these girls must tackle a curriculum they weren’t trained for—without the resources their urban counterparts take for granted.
Why Internet Access is Critical
For Tasneem, Sana, and hundreds of others, the internet isn’t about entertainment—it’s about survival in an academic system that moved ahead while they were left behind.
Bridging Knowledge Gaps: Online resources could help them grasp the tougher concepts CBSE demands.
Self-Paced Learning: With limited teachers, digital platforms could provide personalized support.
Competitive Exam Prep: Without coaching centers, internet access is their only shot at cracking entrance tests for higher education.
The Roadblock
Turtuk’s remote location means poor connectivity. Even where the internet exists, it’s unstable and out of reach for many families. Without intervention, these girls risk falling further behind, their dreams shrinking with each dropped connection.
The Future They Deserve
Turtuk’s girls are ready to take on the challenge—they just need the right tools. Access to the internet means access to information, mentorship, and opportunities that can help them compete on equal footing. It’s about equipping them with the knowledge and confidence to shape their own futures.
A connected Turtuk is a stronger Turtuk, where ambition meets opportunity and potential turns into achievement. The path forward is clear—let’s ensure these students have the resources they need to thrive, not just dream.
Women are leading a cultural shift in the undulating hills of Mizoram, where life moves at its own pace and the clouds dip low. heir contributions to the informal economy are the backbone of this state’s unique socio-economic fabric. In agriculture, bustling local markets, and small businesses, Mizoram’s women embody strength, resilience, and leadership. Their stories, though rooted in this northeastern state, offer lessons for informal economies across the globe.
Women as Pillars of Agriculture
Agriculture in Mizoram remains largely subsistence-based, and women are pivotal to this sector. They labor in jhum (slash-and-burn) cultivation, tending to crops like rice, ginger, and turmeric. Beyond the physical toil, they manage post-harvest activities, including storage and sale, ensuring food security for their families and communities.
Their role transcends economic activity; it preserves traditional agricultural knowledge and practices that are inextricably linked to Mizoram’s ecological balance. By intercropping, rotating crops, and maintaining soil fertility, these women exemplify how sustainable agriculture can thrive even in challenging terrains.
The Lifeblood of Local Markets
Walk through any bazaar in Mizoram, and the presence of women is unmistakable. They dominate the local markets, selling everything from fresh produce to handwoven textiles. These women are not just vendors; they are entrepreneurs who understand market demands, price fluctuations, and supply chains.
Their resilience is striking. Despite limited access to formal financial services, they manage to sustain and grow their businesses. They juggle roles as caregivers and breadwinners, seamlessly weaving the threads of home and commerce.
Small Businesses, Big Impact
Mizoram’s women are also venturing into small businesses, embracing traditional crafts like weaving, bamboo art, and food processing. These micro-enterprises often serve as a family’s primary income source.
Take, for instance, the handloom industry, where women artisans craft exquisite puan (traditional Mizo wraparounds). These textiles are not just garments; they are cultural artifacts that command respect across India. By marketing their products locally and digitally, women entrepreneurs are breathing new life into traditional crafts and connecting Mizoram’s heritage with the global market.
The Gender Dividend: Lessons from Mizoram
Mizoram’s informal economy holds several lessons for regions grappling with similar challenges:
Empowering through Collectives: Women in Mizoram often operate through cooperatives and informal collectives. These groups provide financial stability, shared knowledge, and negotiation power. For instance, weaving collectives have enabled women to access larger markets and negotiate fair prices. Scaling such models could empower informal workers globally.
Leveraging Local Knowledge: Women in Mizoram seamlessly blend tradition with innovation, such as by integrating organic farming techniques into jhum cultivation. Governments and NGOs can replicate this approach by supporting women-led initiatives that draw on indigenous practices.
Investing in Digital Tools: Digital inclusion has begun to make inroads in Mizoram, with women entrepreneurs using platforms like Instagram and WhatsApp to sell textiles and crafts. According to a 2022 report by the Internet and Mobile Association of India, rural internet penetration in the northeast remains at only 38%, leaving significant room for improvement. Expanding access to digital tools and training can help women scale their businesses beyond local markets.
Social Protection for Informal Workers: Globally, informal workers lack access to social security. Mizoram’s example highlights the importance of designing policies that cater to the dual burden women face as caregivers and breadwinners.
Breaking Barriers
While Mizoram’s women have made remarkable strides, structural barriers persist. A lack of formal credit access, gender disparities in land ownership, and limited exposure to national and global markets remain significant challenges. However, the resilience they demonstrate offers a blueprint for empowerment.
To unlock their full potential, governments and development organizations must prioritize:
Gender-sensitive financial products, such as low-interest loans for women in agriculture and trade.
Skill development programs that enhance digital literacy and entrepreneurial skills.
Infrastructure improvements, including roads and internet access, to bridge rural-urban divides.
A Global Perspective
The stories of Mizoram’s women resonate far beyond its borders. Their contributions highlight the untapped potential of informal economies worldwide, which the International Labour Organization estimates employ over 61% of the global workforce. By investing in the empowerment of women in informal sectors, nations can unlock economic growth, reduce poverty, and foster sustainable development.
A Closing Reflection
The women of Mizoram’s informal economy teach us that resilience is not born of privilege but of necessity. They adapt, innovate, and lead, often with limited resources and support. Their strength underscores a larger truth: economies thrive when women thrive.
By championing their stories and addressing the barriers they face, Mizoram—and the world—can move closer to a more inclusive and equitable economic future. In the words of a Mizo proverb, “It is the hand that rocks the cradle that rules the world.” Mizoram’s women are proving that, one market stall and handwoven thread at a time.
“Imagine a place where every phone call is a journey, where a single email means hours on the road. For the children and community of Jhamtse Gatsal, this was more than just inconvenience—it was isolation.”
High in the untouched foothills of the Himalayas, nestled in a valley that echoes with peace and resilience, lies Jhamtse Gatsal—a sanctuary aptly named the “Garden of Love and Compassion.” Here, the community has thrived on shared values of care, mindfulness, and self-sufficiency, but one essential lifeline remained out of reach: connection to the outside world. While the rest of us can instantly connect, learn, and reach across continents with a single click, the people of Jhamtse Gatsal have waited years to simply reach beyond their remote valley.
For the community and children, reliable internet wasn’t just a convenience—it was a dream barely within sight.
But in 2022, everything changed. Thanks to the tireless efforts of a small team and a series of innovative solutions, Jhamtse Gatsal was finally connected to the world. And it all started with a call for help.
Lobsang Phuntsok, a former Buddhist monk and the founder of Jhamtse Gatsal, had a vision—not only for the future of the children in his care but for the entire community that supported them. The idea was simple yet profound: to nurture the children as you would a garden, with love, compassion, and patience, so they could grow and flourish. But the challenge was clear. Without reliable internet access, how could the children, teachers, and community leaders access the knowledge and opportunities they so desperately needed?
A phone call one and a half years ago was the catalyst for change. The community reached out to us, explaining their dire situation. The nearest source of internet was far away, and even then, their connection was so weak that to make a single call or send an email, they had to walk miles or drive hours to reach the nearest spot with a stable signal. The idea of a simple, reliable internet connection seemed impossible, but this community’s need was undeniable.
Our team headed to Arunachal Pradesh to execute this life-changing project. The journey was long and the terrain difficult, but the drive to bring hope and connection to this isolated community kept him going. After overcoming geographical challenges and implementing creative solutions, the connection was finally live.
Now, the impact has been nothing short of transformational. Teachers can access the internet from their classrooms and even from their homes. This newfound connectivity enables them to conduct research, attend virtual meetings, and access telemedicine services—paving the way for better healthcare. Students, too, now have access to vast resources and can connect with the world beyond their valley. This shift is not just about the convenience of being online; it’s about changing the course of the future for these children, providing them with opportunities for learning and growth that would have been unimaginable before.
For Genla, the founder, it was a game changer. He shared with us how, when he traveled to Delhi years ago, the first thing he would do was download shows and movies to enjoy back at the community. And now, with stable internet, he can easily make WhatsApp or Zoom calls from anywhere on campus—something that once seemed impossible, yet now is part of his everyday reality.
This is not just about technology. It’s about what technology enables. It’s about creating a future where distance, geography, and lack of resources no longer stand in the way of dreams.
At Jhamtse Gatsal, the seeds of hope and possibility are being planted every day. With the internet now part of their lives, the community has a clearer path ahead. And as they continue to grow, the world will be watching, and supporting, as these tiny seeds blossom into something extraordinary.
What happens when a hospital has state-of-the-art facilities but no consistent internet connection? In the remote, breathtaking village of Turtuk, nestled on India’s northern borders, Dr. Javed from Srinagar and pharmacist Dr. Kareem Ahmed confront this reality every day. They are dedicated healthcare professionals working in a facility they proudly maintain as one of the finest in the region, yet they’re held back by a barrier that most of us take for granted—reliable internet.
In this post from our #PeopleWithoutInternet series, we share the story of these committed healthcare heroes, the unique challenges they face, and the lengths they go to provide quality care despite limited connectivity
A Modern Hospital, Limited by Connectivity
The healthcare center in Turtuk is a source of pride for Dr. Javed and Dr. Kareem. When our team visited, Dr. Javed guided us through the facility, showcasing state-of-the-art equipment and spotless facilities—a rare sight in a remote village. This small hospital is as modern as any urban healthcare facility, a testament to the dedication of the staff, who are determined to provide the best possible healthcare to Turtuk’s residents.
However, despite the hospital’s modern infrastructure, its connectivity remains a severe obstacle. Access to the internet in Turtuk is erratic at best, with doctors sometimes going up to a week without internet access. This lack of connectivity hinders their ability to upload essential documents to the government daily, a task that would be routine in any well-connected area. Moreover, without reliable internet, the hospital cannot access specialist advice on call, which is critical in emergencies, given Turtuk’s isolation and the lack of in-person specialists.
The Role of Internet in Remote Healthcare
For doctors like Dr. Javed and Dr. Kareem, internet access is not just a convenience; it’s essential for modern medical care. In an area where bringing specialists on-site is challenging, the internet bridges the gap by allowing remote consultations, enabling them to make informed decisions quickly. Whether it’s uploading patient records, coordinating with government health departments, or seeking specialist advice, internet access is crucial for running an efficient and effective healthcare center in Turtuk.
In fact, reliable internet connectivity could transform the healthcare landscape in remote villages like Turtuk, enhancing access to quality care and reducing the need for patients to travel long distances for treatment.
The Commitment of Turtuk’s Healthcare Team
What struck us most during our visit was the dedication of Dr. Javed and Dr. Kareem. Beyond their professional duties, they are deeply invested in the well-being of their community and are committed to making Turtuk’s healthcare center a beacon of excellence. Their hope is that one day, Turtuk will have the same level of connectivity and access to resources as any major city, enabling them to provide their patients with comprehensive, world-class care.
These healthcare heroes continue to serve with limited resources, working tirelessly to make a difference in the lives of Turtuk’s residents. They are living examples of resilience and commitment, embodying the spirit of healthcare service despite the challenges they face.
Why Connectivity is Key to the Future of Rural Healthcare
Stories like those of Dr. Javed and Dr. Kareem underscore the urgent need for reliable internet connectivity in remote regions. Without it, even the most well-equipped facilities are limited in their capacity to serve effectively. By bridging the digital divide, we can help healthcare workers like Dr. Javed and Dr. Kareem provide the care their communities deserve.
The #PeopleWithoutInternet series aims to highlight these stories, advocating for better connectivity in rural India, where it’s needed the most. When healthcare heroes like Dr. Javed and Dr. Kareem have access to reliable internet, they are empowered to bring life-changing improvements to their communities.
Final Thoughts
Dr. Javed, Dr. Kareem, and their team are committed to providing the best care possible, standing as pillars of hope for the people of Turtuk. Their story reminds us of the crucial role internet plays in healthcare and the importance of bridging the connectivity gap in rural India.
Stay tuned for more stories in our #PeopleWithoutInternet series as we continue to explore the lives of those who tirelessly work to serve their communities against all odds.
