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. 

Kiran: A Ray of Hope Illuminating Lives and Inspiring Change

Kiran showing the solar lantern she assembled. (Photo Credit-Sanjay Malakar)

Writen By: Swapna Sarita Mohanty

In the remote village of Kukud, nestled within the Mahuadanr Subdivision of Latehar district in Jharkhand, a remarkable woman named Kiran is rewriting the narrative of her community. Unlike many others, Kiran embarked on a unique journey – not just by pursuing her dreams but also by lighting the way for her village and supporting her family members' education through her entrepreneurial venture.

For the past six years, Kiran has been a pivotal member of a Self-Help Group (SHG) in her village. She has extended her support to the women in her community financially, mentally, and educationally. "In the SHG, I have been working closely with 10 groups, addressing their challenges, finding solutions, and ensuring that education becomes a priority," Kiran shared during a recent interaction.

Kiran learning the intricacies of installation.

Kiran's dedication to her community doesn't end there. Faced with the persistent issue of lack of electricity in her village, she took it upon herself to find a solution. She ventured to the Harmara campus, where she is underwent rigorous training in solar engineering for five months. Over the course of her training, Kiran mastered the intricacies of solar technology, equipping herself with the knowledge and skills needed to harness the power of the sun. Now, armed with her newfound expertise, Kiran is on a mission to electrify her village, which has long been shrouded in darkness. By bringing sustainable energy to her community, she is not only illuminating homes but also paving the way for progress and development.

Kiran assembling the Bindi torch.

Kiran's story is one of resilience, determination, and unwavering commitment. Her ability to balance her entrepreneurial pursuits, family responsibilities, and community support reflects her exceptional leadership qualities. Through her efforts, she is not only transforming the lives of her fellow villagers but also inspiring a new generation of changemakers.

Kiran with other Solar engineers of her batch.

As we celebrate Kiran's achievements, let her journey serve as a beacon of hope and motivation. She exemplifies the impact one individual can make, reminding us of all that with determination and compassion, we can create a brighter, more empowered future for everyone.

Rural Women Day: A Celebration of Strength and Innovation

Team Bindi International, Josh and influencers.

Written By Swapna Sarita Mohanty

In the heart of rural India, amidst the rustic charm of Harmara village in Kishangarh, an extraordinary event unfolded on October 15, 2023 (International Rural Women's Day). Josh App, a video-sharing social networking service, owned by VerSe Innovation and Bindi International, together, showcased the remarkable stories of resilience, creativity, and determination exhibited by women from rural India.

Influencers at Digital Community School, Kishangarh

Spotlight on the Event

The event witnessed the convergence of influencers and innovators—Somya Shekhawat, Dipti Sharma, Deepak Yadav, and Govind Vishukarma—who ventured into the heart of rural Rajasthan. Their destination: the Digital Community School in Kishangarh and the Bindi International campus in Harmara village. Here, these influencers engaged in meaningful interactions with the women behind innovative initiatives such as digital education, solar training, and sanitary pad making, among others.

Capturing Inspirational Moments

The influencers, armed with their smartphones, brought the event to life on various social media platforms. Through live streams and engaging videos, they shed light on the ingenious techniques employed by these women. From preparing nutritious meals to mastering digital sewing, the women showcased their skills with pride and passion. These videos, now bound for millions of screens, promise to inspire change and foster support for these resilient communities.

Influencers Somya and Dipti understanding the process of sanitary pad making for our health worker Pooja.

The Collaborative Spirit

Rituparna Das, Josh community manager, expressed the platform's commitment to innovative collaboration. For Josh, it's more than just a partnership; it's a testament to the power of unity. Through their association with Bindi International, they aim to highlight the journey of rural women towards economic and social independence, proving that determination knows no boundaries.

Conclusion

In the tapestry of rural India, these women are weaving threads of change, hope, and progress. The collaboration between Josh App and Bindi International serves as a beacon of inspiration, guiding us towards a future where every woman, regardless of her background, is empowered to shape her destiny. As we celebrate International Rural Women's Day, let us carry forward the spirit of unity, support, and collaboration, ensuring that the stories of these remarkable women echo far and wide, inspiring generations to come. Join us in celebrating the strength and innovation of rural women. Together, let's make their voices heard.

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."

Celebrating the Guiding Lights: Teachers' Day at Digital Community School

Written By Subhrayu Das

On Teachers’ Day (September 5, 2023), Digital Community School (DCS) in Rajasthan, Odisha, Himachal, and Assam came alive with gratitude and celebration as teachers and students joined hands to commemorate this special day. In a heartwarming display of appreciation and creativity, the DCS community united to pay homage to their educators.

A Spiritual Start

The day kicked off with a solemn prayer, a moment of reflection that set the tone for the entire celebration. It was a reminder of the spiritual and moral guidance teachers provide, shaping not only minds but also souls.

On this day tribute was paid to Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, Asha Singh, one of the teachers at Digital Community Schools, took the stage to share the inspiring biography of Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, whose birthday coincides with Teachers' Day in India. His life's journey and contributions to education continue to inspire educators and students alike. Asha Singh's presentation was a fitting tribute to a visionary teacher who became the President of India.

Teachers’ Day celebration at Digital Community School Bichun, Jaipur

The Tale of Dronacharya and Eklavya

To emphasize the profound teacher-student relationship, a captivating story from the Mahabharata was narrated. The tale of Dronacharya and Eklavya serves as a timeless example of mentorship, dedication, and the thirst for knowledge. It underscored the importance of the bond between a teacher and a student in the journey of learning and self-discovery.

Children of DCS in Rajasthan displaying the drawings they dedicated to their teachers

A Splash of Artistic Expression

Teachers at DCS organized a drawing competition that allowed students to unleash their artistic talents. The young artists chose to pay homage to Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan by creating stunning portraits and crafting Teachers' Day postcards. These creations were not just art; they were heartfelt expressions of gratitude and admiration for their teachers.

Children and teachers of Digital Community School in Himachal Pradesh celebrating Teachers’ Day

The Gift of Appreciation

The pinnacle of the celebration came when students presented heartfelt Teachers' Day cards to their beloved educators. These tokens of appreciation were more than just paper and colors; they were gestures that conveyed the profound impact teachers have on their students' lives.

The Teachers' Day celebration at Digital Community School was a remarkable testament to the enduring bond between teachers and students. It was a day that showcased the students' creativity and, more importantly, fostered a deep sense of appreciation and respect for the educators who play an indispensable role in shaping their futures. It was a reminder that in the journey of life, teachers are the guiding lights who illuminate the way forward.

Teacher of Digital Community School in Odisha interacting with students on Teachers’ Day

On this Teachers' Day, let us remember that the influence of a great teacher can never be erased, and their lessons can last a lifetime. To all the teachers at DCS and around the world, we salute your dedication, your wisdom, and your unwavering commitment to nurturing the minds and hearts of our future generations. Happy Teachers' Day!