India’s ‘Samriddh Gram Initiative’ – WSIS Awards 2026

• India’s ‘Samruddha Gram Initiative’—led by the Department of Telecommunications—has been nominated for the WSIS Awards 2026 in the ‘Enabling Environment’ category.

• This recognition highlights India’s growing leadership in leveraging digital infrastructure to transform rural communities.

• The initiative is built upon the foundation of ‘BharatNet,’ the world’s largest rural broadband network.

• Furthermore, the initiative focuses on delivering integrated services through a unique ‘Phygital’ approach—combining physical infrastructure with digital technology to enhance connectivity and improve livelihoods in villages.