**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

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.