What started as a single message on an ordinary afternoon has now become a symbol of hope, opportunity, and transformation in Assam’s digital landscape.
Gunjan Kashyap, a Computer Science & Engineering student, had no idea her life was about to change. A casual inquiry about an internship, sent during a busy workday, landed in the inbox of Ashwani Kumar — a visionary bureaucrat and the driving force behind Assam’s digital governance mission.
“Without hesitation, I asked for her CV,” recalls Mr. Kumar. “The very next day, our office reached out to her with the good news.”
Gunjan didn’t just join as an intern at DITEC — she became the very first. Her quiet determination and impressive performance set off a chain reaction. Within weeks, 10 more students had joined the program. Her journey now stands as a shining example for youth across Assam.
> “Gunjan’s journey marks the beginning of what we hope will become a powerful movement — one that bridges the gap between classroom learning and real-world digital governance,” says Mr. Kumar.
The Vision Beyond the Internship
Though the program currently accommodates only a few dozen interns each cycle, the vision is grand. Mr. Kumar envisions a growing ecosystem where students actively contribute to Assam’s digital progress. He believes in starting small, showing value, and building momentum.
The Leader Behind the Change
Ashwani Kumar is no stranger to large-scale reforms. From serving as District Magistrate of Barpeta to working as OSD to the Union Education Minister, and now as Assam’s Chief Information Security Officer and Chief Data Officer, his leadership has spanned both grassroots and national levels.
He currently oversees major digital initiatives such as:
e-Prastuti
e-Office
Assam State Data Policy
His contributions have earned him prestigious honors like the Chief Minister’s Award for Excellence in Public Administration and the Leadership Governance Award.
More than an administrator, he is also a mentor — regularly interacting with students to instill values of ethical leadership and innovation.
Assam’s Digital Future Is Local
At a time when many young minds leave Assam in search of opportunities, this initiative dares to dream differently — to retain, nurture, and empower homegrown talent.
“Realisation of an idea can change the trajectory of one’s life,” says Mr. Kumar.
Thanks to him and the spirit of students like Gunjan, Assam is witnessing not just an internship drive — but the birth of a digital revolution powered by pride, purpose, and potential.
