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.

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.

Empowering Change: The Inspiring Case of Vishna Kumari

Written By Swapna Sarita Mohanty

This case study delves into the life and journey of Vishna Kumari, a young woman from Uplagarh in the Sirohi district, Tehsil Abu Road. Vishna's story highlights her resilience, determination, and commitment to creating positive change in her community, despite the challenges she has faced as a victim of child marriage.

Vishna Kumari was married at the tender age of 14, a victim of the prevalent practice of child marriage in her community. This early marriage posed significant obstacles to her personal growth, education, and overall well-being. However, Vishna's unwavering spirit and supportive husband provided a glimmer of hope. Despite the circumstances surrounding her marriage, Vishna's supportive husband encouraged her to pursue education and seek opportunities for personal development. Vishna's education, though limited to the 10th grade, served as a foundation for her future endeavors.

Motivated by her own experiences and the challenges faced by her community, Vishna embarked on a mission to bring about positive change. She sought out opportunities to acquire knowledge and skills that would enable her to address pressing issues, such as the lack of access to electricity and water in her village. Vishna's determination led her to undergo training program at EMPBindi International Association, an organization focused on education and community development. Here, she received training in solar electrification methods and technologies, gaining the necessary skills to address the issue of inadequate electricity in her village.

Upon her return to Uplagarh, Vishna took the initiative to electrify 50 households in her community. This electrification project not only improved living conditions but also instilled a sense of hope and possibility among the villagers. Inspired by Vishna's success, other women in the community began actively participating in the electrification process. Realizing the importance of empowering women, Vishna provided education and skill development opportunities for women, enabling them to acquire new skills, enhance their self-confidence, and become active participants in their own development.

Driven by her thirst for knowledge, Vishna aspired to continue her education beyond the 10th grade. With the support of her husband and the community, she explored various avenues to pursue higher studies, including distance learning programs and vocational courses.

Vishna's unwavering determination, resilience, and commitment to creating change have not only transformed her own life but also inspired the entire community. Her story serves as a beacon of hope and a testament to the power of education, empowerment, and community involvement.

Vishna Kumari's case is a remarkable example of how an individual, despite facing adversity, can rise above circumstances to bring about positive change. Through her dedication to education, electrification, and empowering women, she has become a catalyst for progress and development in her village. Vishna's journey serves as an inspiration for others, highlighting the transformative power of knowledge, determination, and community engagement in creating a brighter future.