Madhubani, July 15, 2025 – In the heart of Bihar’s Madhubani district, where electricity remains a distant dream for many, 34-year-old Anita Devi is lighting up lives with her remarkable journey as a solar engineer. Hailing from a small village, Anita has transformed her community by powering over 200 homes with clean, sustainable solar energy. Through her determination and newfound technical expertise, she has not only brought light to darkened homes but also shattered gender stereotypes, inspiring countless women to embrace technical skills and drive change in rural India.
Anita’s story began in a village where frequent power outages and limited access to electricity were the norm. For years, her community relied on kerosene lamps, which were costly and hazardous. Determined to find a solution, Anita enrolled in a solar engineering training program run by a local NGO focused on sustainable development. Despite having no prior technical background and facing societal skepticism about women in technical roles, she embraced the opportunity with unwavering resolve. “I wanted to do something for my village, to give my children and neighbors a better life,” Anita shares, her eyes reflecting the glow of her solar-powered mission.
Through months of rigorous training, Anita mastered the art of assembling and maintaining solar panels. Armed with her new skills, she returned to her village and began installing solar systems, starting with her own home. Today, her efforts have electrified over 200 households, providing reliable power for lighting, charging devices, and even running small appliances. This transformation has not only improved living conditions but also reduced reliance on harmful kerosene, fostering a healthier and more sustainable environment.
Anita’s impact extends far beyond electricity. As one of the few women solar engineers in her region, she has become a role model, challenging deeply entrenched gender norms. Her success has inspired other women in Madhubani to join similar training programs, sparking a quiet revolution in a region where technical roles are traditionally male-dominated. “When I started, people doubted me, but now they see what women can do,” Anita says with pride. Her workshops, where she trains other women in solar panel maintenance, are empowering a new generation to take charge of their community’s energy needs.
The ripple effects of Anita’s work are profound. Children in her village can now study after dark, small businesses have flourished with access to power, and families have saved money previously spent on kerosene. The NGO that trained her reports that her initiative has reduced carbon emissions in the area by an estimated 50 tons annually, contributing to Bihar’s push for sustainable development. Anita’s efforts align with India’s broader goal of achieving clean energy access for all, proving that grassroots innovation can drive national progress.
Her journey has not been without challenges. Limited resources, logistical hurdles, and initial resistance from her community tested her resolve. Yet, Anita’s perseverance, coupled with support from the NGO and her family, kept her going. Her husband, a daily wage worker, beams with pride when speaking of her achievements: “She has shown us all what is possible with determination.”
Anita Devi’s solar revolution is a shining example of how one individual’s vision can illuminate an entire community. Her work is not just about powering homes but about empowering people—especially women—to break barriers and build a brighter, greener future. As more villages in Bihar look to replicate her model, Anita’s story serves as a beacon of hope, reminding us that change begins with the courage to act.