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.

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.

Empowering Tomorrow's Leaders

The two-day workshop, designed to bridge the gap between urban youth and the realities of rural India, concluded on Monday (October 9, 2023). We organized this workshop in collaboration with Welham Boys School at their campus in Dehradun, the event marked the initiation of the inaugural batch of ‘Global Changemakers’ at Welham Boys School

Shuvajit Payne and Anisha Gupta from Bindi International taking session with Welham boys.

Expert trainers from Bindi International engaged the students in discussions about the significance of social development and its practical implications. Eager to learn, the students shared anecdotes, posed questions, and expressed their keenness to contribute meaningfully to society. To satiate their thirst for knowledge and offer insights into the program, an interactive video conference was arranged with three inspiring women grassroots champions associated with Bindi International NGO.

Asha and Shuvajit Payne from Bindi International in discussion with Welham Boys.

During this session, master solar trainer Kamala Devi, solar engineering trainee Urmila Devi, and young professional Shaina Bano, who focuses on rural education technology, shared their experiences. Their narratives illuminated the challenges and triumphs faced by women in rural areas, providing valuable insights to the students.

Students during a session with Shuvajit Payne from Bindi International

The first day of the workshop also featured an engaging virtual session with Sanjana Yadav, an urban Gender Studies specialist, who shared her journey of working with rural women and youth. Her story offered an inspiring perspective on how individuals can bring about positive change by empowering those in need comprehensively.

Solar master trainer Kamala Devi and solar engineering trainee Urmila interacting with students through video call.

The workshop's second day concluded with Asha Kumari, one of the health and education trainers at Bindi International who specializes in fertility and menstrual hygiene sensitization, sharing her personal story in an interview with students. In response to a student's question, Asha remarked, "If you are a Changemaker, expect naysayers to scoff. Nevertheless, build connections, and over time, people will recognize your perspective.”

Asha in conversation with Shuvajit

Discussing the workshop's significance, Shuvajit Payne emphasized, “Through the Youth Changemakers program, these young boys will grow into empathetic leaders, equipped with a profound understanding of multidimensional rural issues. They will engage in hands-on social contributions driven by a passion for social causes, nurturing genuine leadership and self-reflection.”

Anisha Gupta, managing the project at Bindi, pondered on the program’s impact, stating, "This unique initiative will sensitize youth, especially boys, towards social development through women empowerment. These boys will represent a generation of youth who are not only academically bright but also social changemakers of today and tomorrow."