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.

Women Changemaker Series

Written By Swapna Sarita Mohanty

Within the training hall's hallowed walls, a symphony of strength unfolds as Asha's voice resonates with the powerful notes of her regional song. Yet, amidst her vocal prowess, Asha is a silent observer, absorbing the lessons of the solar master trainer. Little did I know, when I first spoke to her during her days as a trainee at Bindi International in 2023, that behind her quiet demeanor lay a story capable of touching hearts and evoking deep emotions.

Man Behind the Lens: Sanjay Malakar

In this blog I have delved into the intricacies of Asha's life. Unveiling the layers of her personal tragedy and the profound silence she bore, we discover the tale of a woman who, much like the mythical phoenix, rose from the ashes of adversity.

‘Asha’ literally means hope and so is this woman a ray of hope for her community, hailing from Kukud village Mahuadanr Subdivision of Latehar district in Jharkhand was abandoned immediately after birth and unjustly blamed for her mother's untimely demise, Asha's early years were marred by adversity. A cruel twist of fate saw her father attempting to extinguish her young life. Yet, fate had other plans for Asha, as she found refuge and solace in the nurturing care of her maternal grandmother.

From the shadows of despair, Asha rose with a profound belief in giving life a second chance. Her roots in Kukud village run deep, and it is here that she discovered her purpose – to give back to society in a positive and impactful way.

Five months back Asha came to Bindi International campus and underwent solar engineering training, she was preparing to be a catalyst for change in her village. With an unwavering commitment to uplifting her community, she envisions electrifying Kukud, a place where the absence of electricity casts shadows on the daily lives of its residents. Keeping all her trauma aside, Asha says, “Life gave me a second chance and I want to give back to my community where I grew up.”

Asha's journey is a testament to the power of resilience and the transformative impact one individual can have on an entire community. She has returned to her village and is gearing to electrify 50 households through solar electrification.

The journey from abandonment to empowerment is never easy, but Asha's story reminds us that adversity can be the catalyst for positive change. Stay tuned as we follow Asha's inspiring expedition, witnessing the transformation of a village and the illumination of countless lives. Together, we can celebrate the triumph of the human spirit and the enduring power of hope.

The adage Where there is a will, there is a way finds tangible validation in the story of a woman from Uttar Pradesh, belonging to a tribal community and raised in a family with limited resources. Despite the obstacles presented by her background, her steadfast determination and yearning for independence served as the impetus propelling her onward. This blog invites you to embark on a journey through her experiences, offering inspiration drawn from her remarkable story of resilience and triumph.

Written By Swapna Sarita Mohanty

(Pictures by Sanjay Malakar)

Urmila posing with solar lantern

Meet Urmila who hails from Nandana village in Sonbhadra district, Uttar Pradesh. Her journey was not an easy one. In a community where education often took a back seat, she managed to complete her 12th grade, fueling her aspirations for higher education and financial independence. However, fate had different plans for her. After completing her 12th grade, she found herself married and uprooted to a new home. Despite the societal norms and resistance from her in-laws, her passion for education persisted. Guided by her mother's unwavering belief in education, Urmila's dream of becoming a health worker in her community began to take shape. Despite all resistance, she kept trying and finally became Auxiliary Nurse and Midwife (ANM) in her community.

Urmila learning installation in solar engineering class at Bindi campus

For two years, Urmila served as an ANM in her village, defying societal expectations and familial objections. Yet, her dream was short-lived as family pressure forced her to resign from her job. Undeterred, she embraced her roles as a homemaker and a mother, never letting go of her aspirations. “Becoming an ANM was my dream and when this turned into a reality, my happiness knew no bounds but that was short lived, but now when I am learning this new skill of solar engineering, I look at it as an opportunity to make a comeback and make a difference in the society,” shared Urmila.

Urmila during posing with solar panels at the campus of Bindi International

Urmila's life took a transformative turn when an opportunity arose in her village in the form of solar training at the Bindi International. With determination in her heart, Urmila convinced her family and seized this opportunity, enrolling in a five-month residential training program at the Harmara campus. During this period, she not only mastered the intricacies of solar equipment, but also honed her skills in mobile phone usage, internet proficiency, and various apps like Bhim and Sakhi. Additionally, the Enriche Training program equipped her with knowledge on health, financial savings, and personal development.

Urmila with her batchmates in solar training class

Urmila's newfound expertise as a solar engineer filled her with immense pride and a renewed sense of purpose. Her ambition now knows no bounds. She envisions returning to her village and illuminating every household with solar home lighting systems. Through her newfound skills, she aims to empower other women in her community, providing them with the means to break free from the confines of their homes and pursue their dreams. “I look at this training as an opportunity and I am aiming to be a master trainer who would change others life as well, my biggest dream is to be a teacher and change others’ lives,” shared Urmila.

In Urmila's eyes, this journey represents more than just a personal triumph; it embodies the spirit of resilience and the unwavering belief that with determination and the right opportunities, anyone can overcome adversity. 

Lighting Up Lives: Rita's Journey to Brighten Her Village

Rita and her children at home in Jhaaria village

Written By Swapna Sarita Mohanty

Meet Rita, a resilient 25-year-old woman from Saraigarh, Nagwa in Sonbhadra, a village where electricity was a luxury. Despite facing numerous challenges and frustration, Rita's determination led her to make a positive impact on her community. Let's dive into her inspiring journey of transformation and how she turned her hardships into opportunities.

A Difficult Start

At just 15 years old, Rita was married and moved to Jhaaria Urf Haribandh village, where electricity was non-existent. The absence of electricity made her life challenging, especially when cooking at night. Her longing for a brighter future for her family and community sparked an idea - she wanted electricity in her village.

The Journey of Empowerment

Rita during her training days at Harmara campus of Bindi International

Almost a decade later an opportunity in the form of solar training at Bindi International came across Rita, she decided to take training to bring about a change. She felt anxious about the unknown - whom to talk to and how people would respond. Despite the emotional turmoil of leaving her young children behind, Rita embarked on her journey of self-improvement and will to bring change in her community.

The Training Experience

Rita with her children while having an interaction about her journey

As five months solar training began at Bindi International Rita initially faced language barrier, however she overcame it and started her training with the help of master trainers. As she progressed, she learned how to use a mobile phone, boosting her confidence further. Additionally, the training covered essential topics like women's health, cleanliness, and personal hygiene. In Rita’s own words, today she is not only a solar engineer, but also got life lessons that have changed her life for the better. Among the skills Rita acquired during her training, learning to make circuits was one of the most challenging tasks. However, with determination and perseverance, she mastered the art over five months. Rita's newfound skills, knowledge, and confidence were about to become instrumental in transforming her village.

Lighting Up the Village

Rita pointing out towards the solar panel she installed post her training

After completing her training, Rita returned to her village with a purpose and completed solar electrification of 50 households that were otherwise in acute darkness. She connected with other women in the community, and together they discussed their needs. The villagers expressed their desire for torches to aid in farming during the dark hours and fans to combat the sweltering heat.

A Bright Business Idea

Rita saw an opportunity to fulfill the village's needs while also empowering herself and other women. She proposed the idea of creating and selling torches to meet the demand. The women brainstormed and crafted a business model that would enable them to earn a livelihood while improving the village's standard of living.

A Shining Example

Rita while sharing her future plans

As Rita balances her responsibilities as a mother and entrepreneur, she continues to take care of her children and returns from work to be with them. Her dedication and hard work inspire everyone around her, proving that with determination, even the darkest of situations can be transformed into shining success stories.

Rita's journey from frustration and darkness to empowerment and light is a testament to the potential that lies within every individual. Her determination to improve her life and her community serves as an inspiration for others to initiate change and uplift their surroundings.

Lighting the Way: Sonia Kumari's Journey to Empowerment

Written By Swapna Sarita Mohanty

Sonia Kumari, an 18-year-old woman who, after getting married, found herself immersed in household responsibilities. Despite the challenges, Sonia's determination to be self-reliant and improve the living conditions in her village led her to pursue solar training. With the acquired knowledge, Sonia aims to electrify her village, empowering her community and bringing light into their lives.

One day, while engaging in her tailoring work, Sonia came across a coordinator who spoke about solar training. Intrigued by the possibility of learning a new skill and making a difference in her community, Sonia's determination grew stronger. The absence of electricity in her village, resulting in difficulties in daily activities such as cooking and the scorching heat, motivated her to take action. Sonia seized the opportunity and enrolled in the solar training program at EMPBindi International Association. Throughout her training, she learned the intricacies of solar equipment installation, circuitry, bulb manufacturing, solar torch assembly, diva making, and other essential skills. Additionally, she gained knowledge about mobile phone usage and received enriched training to broaden her skill set.

Now equipped with comprehensive solar knowledge, Sonia is ready to make a tangible impact in her community. She is electrifying 50 households in her village, providing them with a sustainable and reliable source of energy. This initiative will alleviate the struggles faced by her fellow villagers, particularly in preparing meals, coping with extreme heat, and accessing water from a distance. Recognizing the importance of digital literacy, Sonia aims to provide tab training to women in her community. By teaching them how to effectively use tablets, she empowers them to access information, expand their knowledge, and enhance their skills. This initiative enables women to overcome barriers and become active participants in the digital age.

Sonia's unwavering determination and newfound skills inspire her community members, especially women, to embrace their potential and strive for self-sufficiency. Her commitment to improving living conditions and promoting education resonates with others, fostering a sense of empowerment and a collective drive for progress.

Sonia Kumari's journey exemplifies the transformative power of education, skills training, and renewable energy solutions. Despite her shift into married life and household responsibilities, Sonia's unwavering determination to be self-reliant and improve her village propelled her to pursue solar training. Through her endeavors, she aims to bring light, ease, and empowerment to her community. Sonia's story serves as a beacon of hope, inspiring others to embrace opportunities for growth, uplift their communities, and illuminate the path toward a brighter future.