Sanju Illuminates a Brighter Future for Her Children and Community

Solar engineer Sanju Devi is holding a solar lantern that she made herself.

28-year-old Sanju's story is a beacon of hope and transformation. Her journey from a limited educational background to becoming a solar engineer is a testament to resilience and the power of empowerment.

Sanju’s formal education ended after the 8th grade. Like many women in her community, societal norms and family expectations curtailed her academic ambitions. Her in-laws believed that if women were more educated than their husbands, they might leave their marital homes. Accepting her fate, Sanju devoted herself to her family, raising her two young children, now aged 7 and 8. Despite these challenges, Sanju never lost her desire to learn and grow. Her turning point came when she enrolled in a five-month solar engineering training program supported by Royal Rajasthan Foundation and implemented by Bindi International.

Sanju Devi learning colour code during her training at Bindi International campus in Harmara village, Kishangarh.

This comprehensive program was a game-changer, equipping her with technical skills in repairing, installing, and assembling solar equipment. Additionally, it introduced her to essential digital tools like WhatsApp, Zoom, Google Drive, and the BHIM app for financial transactions, enhancing her digital literacy and connectivity.

Sanju Devi with other solar solar engineering trainees in classroom.

One of the standout components of the training was the sales module, where Sanju and her peers learned how to craft and deliver effective sales pitches. This skill is crucial for spreading the adoption of solar technology in rural areas, where word-of-mouth and personal trust play significant roles in decision-making.

Armed with her new skills and knowledge, Sanju returned to her village with a mission: to electrify 50 households using solar power. This endeavor is not just about bringing light to homes; it’s about illuminating a path to sustainable development and self-reliance for her community. By providing access to clean, renewable energy, Sanju is helping to reduce dependency on traditional, polluting energy sources and improving the quality of life for her neighbours.

During an interaction, Sanju shared her reflections on her journey. She spoke candidly about her education and the societal barriers she faced. However, she also expressed her unwavering commitment to her children’s education. “I want my children to have the opportunities I didn’t,” she said. “I want them to be educated and lead their lives in a better way.”

Sanju's story is a powerful reminder of the impact that education and skill development can have on individuals and communities. It underscores the importance of providing women with opportunities to learn and grow, regardless of societal constraints. Programs like the one offered at Bindi International Harmara are crucial in bridging the gender gap in education and employment, fostering a generation of women who are not only skilled but also empowered to lead and innovate.

As Sanju works to light up her village, she is also lighting up a new path for her children and many other women who look up to her as a role model. Her journey from a housewife with limited prospects to a solar engineer electrifying her community is an inspiring testament to what can be achieved when women are given the tools to succeed.

Sanju’s story is just one among many, but it carries a universal message: with education, support, and determination, women can overcome societal barriers and drive meaningful change in their communities.

The lens on climate crisis that’s missing

WRITTEN BY SHUVAJIT PAYNE & DR MONALISA PADHEE

“Humare yahan do saal se sahi se fasal nahi hui hai” (for two years, we haven’t had a good crop haul), “ kabhi bhi barish aa rahi hai aaj kal” (untimely rains have been very common), “itni garmi aaj tak nahi hui hai sare talab sukh gayi hai ” (it's never been so hot, even ponds have dried), - this is what we hear in our community meetings. However, every project manager of Bindi International, all of whom hail from these communities itself, tell us that the community members seldom connect these issues to climate change. For them, climate change is a foreign phenomenon or big English word which has no relevance in their day-to-day life. Even if the communities do get the connection, they feel “hum karenge hi kya’ (even if this is a problem, what are we to do?).

This just points out how distant the rural community feels the global discourse on climate change and its pressing urgency is from them. Why won’t it be so? Any content or communication around these issues often only project the voices of urban professionals, scientists, and highly qualified policymakers. While the voices of all stakeholders are important, skewed representation of only few social segments deepens the alienation of the climate change fight from the most vulnerable communities, who have no reason to care for the melting polar caps, the forest fires of other continents, or even the flash floods of another state. These phenomena are too far and unrelatable for them - it’s not their problem.

Of course, that’s not how it is!

Project Manager of Bindi International interacting with community members.

Including the large populace of rural communities in the climate fight, is not just a matter of diversity; it is a necessity for crafting comprehensive and effective solutions. The need of the hour is to address three dimensions of this layered issue:

MAKING THIS GLOBAL CHALLENGE LOCALLY RELEVANt

Rural communities are frequently on the front lines of climate change and yet, till disaster strikes the experience of the direct impacts (such as altered agricultural patterns, water scarcity, and increased frequency of extreme weather events) are subtle and need one to acutely observe. This strongly suggests that we need our discourse to be more locally contextualized to the tangible realities that a region’s youth grow up in. Their first-hand experiences with these challenges enable them to identify practical, context-specific solutions that might be overlooked by those who are not as intimately connected to the land.

UNDERSTANDING THE DEEP IMPACT OF THE ENVIRONMENT ON LIFE

More invisible are the indirect impacts of climate change arising out of the intersectionality of the problem with gender discrimination, social justice issues, nature of livelihood and more. Youth today, need to go beyond the academic discourse of ‘paryavaran’ which equates the environment problem to soil, water, air, flora and fauna only, to understanding its relationship with human life, and rights. Incidentally, local wisdom often has a lot of such learning embedded in local literature, folklore and practices. It is essential to recognize the unique perspectives and contributions such local wisdom can append to the global issue.

VOCALIZING BURNING ISSUES IN THE MOST EFFECTIVE MANNER

Once the youth can see how their future is directly and indirectly affected by the climate fight, the alienation is bridged. The next layer is to equip these individuals with the necessary vocabulary and access to platforms that make their voices and demands comprehensible in a global platform. By including rural youth in climate change discussions, we gain access to a wealth of local knowledge and innovative ideas that can lead to more effective adaptation and mitigation strategies. It also opens up avenues in which the discourse on climate change is communicated in more democratic ways - for example, in project areas of Bindi International itself, folk songs articulating issues and the solutions around climate-induced health risks have been quite effective in promoting health seeking behaviour in remote communities. Such an inclusive approach will bring a qualified climate researcher, a policy maker and a youth from a rural community to the same platform to engage in meaningful discussion around climate change.

Our young climate leaders are engaging with government officials and advocating for their climate-related demands.

GETTING ONE USED TO LEADERSHIP AND ACTION

Mitigating the climate crisis, even regionally is no mean feat. It is a long-term process that must involve multiple stakeholders. To persist in such a process, the actors need to have agency, be used to taking initiative towards problem solving and more than anything, must believe that it is in their capacity to make a difference. For this, the need of the hour is to instill confidence in the youth and present a narrative where they are not disheartened by a doomsday situation but feel that their efforts can have a significant impact in slowing are down climate change and reversing some of its effects.

World Nature Conservation Day celebration at government school

Involving rural youth in climate change

Initiatives empowers them to become proactive environmental stewards. When young people see that their voices are heard and valued, they are more likely to take ownership of local and global environmental issues. This sense of ownership can drive grassroots initiatives, fostering a culture of sustainability within their communities.

THREE STEPPED APPROACHES

Bindi International in collaboration with ReNew Foundation has been implementing the Climate Leadership Curriculum (YCLC) which is an attempt to address all of these dimensions with a unique 3 stepped approach

THINK

Our curriculum makes the entire climate conversation locally relevant with examples of local incidents, role models and solutions. It complements the state curriculum on environment studies. It promotes critical thinking in the young learners, connecting the global phenomenon to local lived realities.

SPEAK

The YCLC curriculum also encourages the young learners to speak up on these issues and how their lives are affected, debating on the multiple dimensions of this challenge, linking to local solutions and developing valuable insights.

ACT

The curriculum includes an action component whereby the learners gain leadership by planning and rolling out positive community action initiatives.

Our Climate Fellows taking climate classes.

With the curriculum at its pilot stage, we are reaching out to more than 5000 students across 75 government schools in remote communities across Rajasthan, Gujarat and Karnataka. This curriculum is being delivered by Climate Fellows, who are youth from these communities. These fellows are trained to effectively deliver the curriculum and support its localization to make it more relevant to the students' immediate environment and experiences. Our approach involves the formation of climate clubs in each school, led by climate leaders. These leaders are actively engaged in climate-related discussions and actions, helping to drive awareness and initiatives within their schools and communities. The climate leaders and fellows also organize school-level advocacy meets. These events bring together school principals, teachers, School Management Committee (SMC) members, panchayat members, and block and district-level local government representatives.

During these advocacy meets, climate leaders share their concerns, local issues, and potential solutions, fostering meaningful dialogues with key stakeholders. Some of the noteworthy initiatives proposed by these leaders include "Plastic Free Gadag," "Best from Waste," and "वर्षा जल संरक्षण" (Rainwater Conservation). These initiatives aim to address pressing environmental challenges and seek the support of various stakeholders for successful implementation.

The vision behind this initiative is to create a generation that is conscious of how climate change affects them directly and at the same time are equipped with essential skills and knowledge to be involved in climate positive actions. For example, training in sustainable farming practices, renewable energy technologies, and conservation techniques equips young people with the tools they need to implement eco-friendly practices in their own lives and communities. Moreover, these initiatives can create new economic opportunities, helping to combat rural poverty and unemployment while promoting environmental sustainability. 

This fight against climate change cannot be fought alone. We actively seek partners, supporters, and guides to help us localize and contextualize our curriculum further. Our goal is to ensure that the voices of the youth from the most remote communities are heard at the same tables where climate-related discussions and decisions take place.

We invite you to join us in this vital mission, bringing your unique strengths and insights to our shared endeavor. Let's ensure that the youth from the last miles have a powerful voice in the global fight against climate change.

Champa's Breakthrough: Embracing Technology for the First Time

Champa posing for shutterbugs post her solar training

Written By Swapna Sarita Mohanty

Photos By Sanjay Malakar

Champa, a 26-year-old resident of Nichliphali hamlet, nestled in Uplagarh village, Mount Abu, is a woman whose resilience and determination echo through the ages.

Champa's story is not uncommon in rural India. Married off at the tender age of eight, she bid farewell to her childhood aspirations and embraced a life of household chores and farming duties. Education, once a beacon of hope, became a distant memory as she navigated complexities of adulthood far before her time.

Champa posing with a solar circuit

Yet, amidst the shadows of societal norms, Champa harboured a flicker of hope—a flame that refused to be extinguished. With an unyielding resolve, she embarked on a journey of self-discovery, fueled by the desire to carve a brighter future not only for herself but for her 8-year-old daughter as well.

It was within the walls of Bindi International's solar training hall of Harmara, Kishangarh, that Champa found the catalyst for transformation. Here, she not only mastered the intricacies of solar engineering but also acquired invaluable life skills that empowered her in ways she never thought possible.

For the first time in her life, Champa learned to wield a smartphone, unlocking a world of possibilities at her fingertips. From online money transfers to digital literacy, she embraced technology with a fervor that belied her humble beginnings. Moreover, the training extended beyond technical expertise, delving into topics such as financial management and personal hygiene, enriching Champa's knowledge and confidence.

As Champa reminisces about her arduous journey, memories of toiling in the fields and embarking on treacherous journeys to sell her produce flood her mind. The incident of falling off an overloaded jeep serves as a poignant reminder of the risks she faced in pursuit of livelihood. Yet, from adversity emerged resilience, prompting Champa to adapt and prioritize her safety above all else.

Champa with fellow solar engineering trainees from Sirohi, Mount Abu

Now, armed with newfound skills and unwavering determination, Champa stands at the precipice of change. Her mission: to electrify 50 households in her village, banishing the darkness that has plagued them for far too long. With each solar panel she installs, she not only illuminates homes but also ignites hope within her community.

But Champa's ambitions extend far beyond electrification. With a steely resolve, she is determined to break the cycle of generational poverty and empower her daughter with the gift of education and independence. Through her own journey, she has forged a path for future generations to follow—a path illuminated by perseverance, resilience, and unwavering hope.

As Champa prepares to return to her village, her heart brims with anticipation. For her, the journey from darkness to light is not just a metaphorical one—it is a testament to the indomitable spirit of rural women, whose dreams defy the confines of tradition and adversity. And as she sets out to transform her community, Champa's story serves as a beacon of inspiration for all who dare to dream against all odds.

Shaping Tomorrow's Leaders at the Heart of Innovation – Story of Sharda

Sharda Jat while sharing her story.

In the heart of progress and innovation, Digital Community School (DCS) stands tall as a beacon of transformative education. Sharda Jat, a testament to the school's evolution, has not only traversed the corridors of learning at DCS but has also taken the helm as education trainer, shaping the future of education for teachers at the very institution that molded her. In this candid conversation, Sharda reflects on her educational journey, emphasizing the shift from traditional methods to a digitally infused and engaging learning environment.

Sharda working on iPad making a presentation.

During a candid chat, Sharda fondly recalls her days at the Community School, which has now evolved into the Digital Community School. The transition has been remarkable, with the integration of technology transforming the educational landscape. From the era of traditional textbooks to the present, where gadgets like iPads and projectors are instrumental in delivering lessons, DCS has embraced innovation for a more engaging and effective learning experience.

Sharda in conversation with the author of the blog.

Sharda's journey from a student at DCS to an education trainer showcases the school's commitment to nurturing talent within its own walls. Her passion for education led her to the forefront, where she now plays a pivotal role in training teachers to adopt innovative and interesting teaching methods. Sharda's story serves as an inspiration for current and future students, proving that the pursuit of knowledge knows no bounds.

At 26, Sharda is not only a mother but also a dedicated student herself, pursuing a Master's in Social Work with plans for a Ph.D. Education, for Sharda, is a lifelong journey, and she advocates for a continuous pursuit of knowledge. She believes that the more one learns, the more they grow, emphasizing the importance of keeping the flame of curiosity alive throughout one's life.

Sharda reminisces about the lack of technology during her student days at DCS. However, she acknowledges the positive change brought about by the inclusion of technology in today's classrooms. The use of iPads, projectors, and films has not only made learning more interactive but has also opened new avenues for understanding complex concepts, leaving a lasting impression on young minds.

Sharda Jat in discussion with team members.

Sharda's personal growth mirrors the evolution of education at DCS. As technology seeped into the educational landscape, Sharda embraced the change and became technically sound. Her journey reflects the adaptability required in the digital age, where learning is a dynamic and evolving process. As the Digital Community School continues to embrace innovation and create an environment where learning is not just informative but also enjoyable, Sharda Jat stands as a living example of the school's success. From a student enchanted by the realism of education to an education trainer shaping the future, her journey encapsulates the spirit of DCS – a commitment to lifelong learning and a belief that education is the key to growth and progress.

Inspirational Journey of Pooja Devi, Health Worker and Lifelong Learner

Written By Swapna Sarita Mohanty

Meet Pooja Devi, a 32-year-old health worker who defied educational barriers to carve her path in the NGO sector. Pooja's inspiring journey began in 2014 when she ventured into the audio-visual section, armed with little to no prior knowledge. Undeterred by her lack of formal education, Pooja embraced the opportunity to learn, showcasing her determination and passion

Pooja Devi working on health material she uses during workshop to create awareness.

In 2014, Pooja Devi joined the NGO sector, immersing herself in the audio-visual section. Despite her initial lack of expertise, she dedicated 15 days to grasp the basics of handling cameras, creating videos, and capturing moments through photography. Her rapid learning curve propelled her into a dynamic role within the audio-visual team, where she showcased her newfound skills.

In 2017, Pooja took a significant leap by joining the Enriche department. Here, she honed her knowledge in health, hygiene, and overall well-being. Pooja not only learned the intricacies of Enriche but also became a teacher herself, training women not just in India but globally. Overcoming language barriers, Pooja emphasized her belief in learning first and then educating others.

Pooja Devi maintains record of the day long work she does.

Driven by a passion for community health, Pooja transitioned into a full-time health worker. She embarked on a journey to create awareness about menstrual health, nutrition, and anemia among women. Traveling extensively across various states in India, Pooja conducts workshops and awareness programs, leaving an indelible impact on the lives of countless women. During her multifaceted learning journey, Pooja acquired skills in report writing and adeptly used an iPad to create impactful presentations. Her ability to adapt to technological advancements showcases her resilience and commitment to continuous learning. “Being a health worker has been a transformative journey for me. In the beginning, I lacked confidence to discuss diverse topics, especially with men. I felt shy answering their questions, particularly those related to reproduction and other health aspects. However, over the years, this experience has become my strength. Now, I not only confidently conduct workshops with men but also address their inquiries with assurance."

Pooja's commitment to education didn't stop with her professional growth. Currently, she is leading advanced English learning classes, empowering others with the knowledge she has acquired. Pooja's story exemplifies the adage that learning is a lifelong journey, one that she continues to embrace with enthusiasm.

Pooja making cloth sanitary napkin.

Pooja Devi's remarkable journey from a novice in the audio-visual sector to a champion of women's health and education is a testament to the power of determination and continuous learning. Her story serves as an inspiration for those facing educational challenges, proving that with passion and perseverance, anyone can achieve their dreams and make a significant impact on the community.

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Resilient World of 12-Year-Old Manisha

Written By Swapna Sarita Mohanty/ (Photos By Sanjay Malakar)

In dusty marble factory area of Kishangarh, Rajasthan resides a community of banjara in Banjaro Ki Basti, where the bitter winter cold bites at every corner, there stands a remarkable 12-year-old girl named Manisha. Her hands are covered with marble dust, her face bears the harsh imprints of the winter cold, and her hair is roughly tied, revealing the struggles she faces daily. Yet, within these challenges, Manisha harbours a dream – a dream to become a teacher and illuminate the lives of children like herself.

Writer in conversation with Manisha at her home in Banjaro Ki Basti, Kishangarh.

In this blog, I have delved into the extraordinary life of Manisha, capturing her unwavering spirit and determination to overcome limited resources and pursue her dream of education. Despite the harshness of her circumstances, Manisha's resilience shines through.

Manisha doing household chores at her home in Banjaro Ki Basti.

Every day, Manisha's routine is a testament to her commitment. Covered in dust, she wakes up at 5 in the morning, takes charge of household chores, prepares meals, and cares for her younger siblings. Then, with unwavering dedication, she heads to the Digital Community School, where her eyes light up with enthusiasm for subjects like Hindi, English, and environmental studies. For Manisha, the school represents more than just learning; it's a sanctuary where she utilizes tablets, plays engaging games, and connects with new faces, turning her educational journey into a source of joy.

Manisha using iPad at Digital Community School

However, Manisha's day doesn't end there. After her classes, she selflessly contributes to her family's income by assisting her mother in a marble factory, sweeping the floor to support their livelihood. As I sat with her in the modest mud house, its roof made of plastic sheeting offering limited protection from the biting cold, I marveled at her resilience and contentment.

Manisha having lunch with her siblings and mother.

Despite the challenges and the biting cold inside her humble dwelling, Manisha radiates cheerfulness. Her satisfaction with life is rooted in a simple desire – to receive an education and share that knowledge with others in need, much like herself. "My biggest inspirations are my teachers at the Digital Community School; the way they teach and share knowledge is remarkable," she shared with a sparkle in her eyes.

Manisha helping her mother at marble factory.

Manisha's story is not just one of adversity but of triumph, a testament to the indomitable spirit of those who dream beyond their circumstances. As we peer into her world, we find inspiration in the face of hardship, hope within the cold walls of her home, and the determination to forge a brighter future through the transformative power of education. Manisha's journey reminds us of those dreams, no matter how humble the beginnings, have the potential to break through barriers and illuminate the path to a better tomorrow.