Written By Swapna Sarita Mohanty
In the remote villages of Giridih and Simdega districts in Jharkhand, two determined women have embarked on a mission to bring light to their communities. Motivated by a desire to improve their lives and the lives of their fellow villagers, these women have journeyed to Bindi International in Rajasthan to undergo five months of intensive training in solar engineering. Their goal is to acquire the skills needed to electrify their villages, which have long been shrouded in darkness. Through their determination and newly acquired knowledge, these women seek to create positive change and pave the way for a brighter future.
Challenges and Motivation
For Manjali, a single mother and the sole breadwinner of her family, selling country liquor was a means of survival, but it left her yearning for a more respected and fulfilling occupation. When the opportunity to learn solar engineering presented itself, she eagerly embraced it as a chance to transform her life and gain the admiration of her community. Similarly, 20-year-old Anjali Murmu, who comes from a family that values women's empowerment, viewed the solar training as a stepping stone towards contributing to her joint family and supporting her husband's education.
Manjali during her training at Harmara campus, Kishangarh
Transformation and Empowerment:
The training here has been a life-changing experience for these women, both personally and professionally. Through hands-on instruction, they have learned to create solar-powered devices such as diva lanterns, bindi torchlights, and devi torchlights. Armed with this knowledge, they are now equipped to electrify 50 households each in their respective villages. Beyond technical expertise, the training has instilled a sense of self-sufficiency and empowerment within the women. They now possess the confidence and determination to face the challenges that lie ahead and become the breadwinners for their families.
Solar Engineer Anjali during her training at Harmara campus in Kishangarh.
Community Impact and Expectations:
From ending the darkness that has engulfed their villages to creating a sustainable source of electricity, the women are viewed as beacons of hope and inspiration. Their determination to uplift their communities has garnered admiration and support from neighbors and villagers alike.
Building a Brighter Future:
Beyond electrifying their villages, these women aspire to become catalysts for change in their wider communities. By demonstrating the possibilities that education and skill development offer, they hope to inspire others, particularly women, to step out of the confinements of traditional roles and pursue their aspirations. Their newfound skills not only provide economic opportunities but also serve as a testament to the transformative power of education, fostering a culture of lifelong learning and empowerment.
The journey of these tribal women from Jharkhand serves as an inspiring case study of empowerment and change. Through their unwavering determination and the solar engineering training they received at the organisation they have not only acquired the skills to electrify their villages but also become agents of transformation. Their dedication to improving their lives and those of their communities highlights the potential within marginalized areas. By supporting and empowering women in rural regions, we can create a ripple effect of progress and build a brighter, more equitable future for all.