Rural India: The Present Powerhouse Fueling Economic Transformation
When we think of India’s growth story, bustling metros and startup hubs often come to mind. But the real engine powering sustainable growth might just lie in a place long overlooked—rural India.
In this insightful episode of The Collaborative Canvas, host Ankesh Saxena sits down with Prabal Pratap Singh, CEO of SmartGram, to challenge old narratives and shine a light on the rural regions of India. Prabal believes it’s not the future of India that lies in its villages—but the present.
With 69% of India’s population residing in rural areas, this market represents more than tradition—it’s a thriving hub of untapped opportunity. Prabal shares compelling data comparing rural and urban GDP. Rural India, despite lower per capita income, contributes ₹60 lakh crore to the economy—more than urban India. More importantly, rural income is growing at a faster rate, signaling strong economic momentum.
**The Evolving Digital Landscape**
Contrary to outdated beliefs, rural India is not lagging behind in digital transformation. In fact, it's catching up rapidly. With internet access expanding thanks to telecom providers like Jio, online transaction volumes in rural areas are growing at over 118% year-on-year.
**Human Capital and Employability**
SmartGram is tackling employability challenges by training local youth and appointing “Gram Mitras” who live and work within the villages they serve—creating local jobs and ensuring cultural fit.
**Women: The Silent Growth Catalysts**
Nearly 40% of Gram Mitras are women. As Prabal aptly puts it: “When a man earns, it’s for survival. When a woman earns, it’s for growth.” Women-led entrepreneurship is uplifting families and improving village life.
**Building Sustainable Villages**
SmartGram is building sustainable ecosystems focused on healthcare, education, and tech services—reducing urban migration and creating dignified village livelihoods.
In this insightful episode of The Collaborative Canvas, host Ankesh Saxena sits down with Prabal Pratap Singh, CEO of SmartGram, to challenge old narratives and shine a light on the rural regions of India. Prabal believes it’s not the future of India that lies in its villages—but the present.
With 69% of India’s population residing in rural areas, this market represents more than tradition—it’s a thriving hub of untapped opportunity. Prabal shares compelling data comparing rural and urban GDP. Rural India, despite lower per capita income, contributes ₹60 lakh crore to the economy—more than urban India. More importantly, rural income is growing at a faster rate, signaling strong economic momentum.
**The Evolving Digital Landscape**
Contrary to outdated beliefs, rural India is not lagging behind in digital transformation. In fact, it's catching up rapidly. With internet access expanding thanks to telecom providers like Jio, online transaction volumes in rural areas are growing at over 118% year-on-year.
**Human Capital and Employability**
SmartGram is tackling employability challenges by training local youth and appointing “Gram Mitras” who live and work within the villages they serve—creating local jobs and ensuring cultural fit.
**Women: The Silent Growth Catalysts**
Nearly 40% of Gram Mitras are women. As Prabal aptly puts it: “When a man earns, it’s for survival. When a woman earns, it’s for growth.” Women-led entrepreneurship is uplifting families and improving village life.
**Building Sustainable Villages**
SmartGram is building sustainable ecosystems focused on healthcare, education, and tech services—reducing urban migration and creating dignified village livelihoods.
Inspired from episode: Rural India: The Present Powerhouse
Listen to the full episode with “Prabal Pratap Singh” on The Collaborative Canvas Podcast—now streaming on YouTube and Spotify.
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