The project Ashwini, which is a joint initiative of Media Lab Asia, UNDP, NISG and Byrajju Foundation got the award for the the best NGO initiative of the year. It has established a broadband wireless network based on 802.11 b/g technology, connecting about 32 village centres and three towns in Krishna, East and west Godavari districts of Andhra Pradesh. This facilitates access to broadband connectivity in more than 115 villages benefitting a population of more thyan 0.5 million. The project is envisioned to offer rural friendly, urban quality services in rural areas by creating and using broadband wireless network. The project delivers high quality services like e-learning, e-banking, e-governance, e-medicine and e-health besides virtual agricultural advisory services to rural areas.
