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.

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.