Empowering Young Women Through Solar Technology in Dantoo, Jharkhand

In the Dantoo village of Jharkhand’s Kasara block, the COVID-19 pandemic presented a unique challenge. Students from the local government high school found themselves grappling with the sudden shift to online classes, which required constant access to digital devices. However, the village suffered from frequent power cuts, making it hard for the students to keep their devices charged. It’s not surprising considering that despite four thermal power plants in Bokaro district, residents often experience five to six hours of power cuts each day, as shared by local resident Pramila Devi.

But instead of succumbing to these challenges, the students sought a solution. With guidance from their dedicated teacher, Animesh Chandra, they learned to create solar power banks to keep their devices running. Animesh, who began his vocational training program in Dantoo in 2020, focuses on equipping students with hands-on skills in hardware and electronics as part of the government’s Samagra Shiksha initiative.

A Journey into Solar Technology

Animesh’s teaching goes beyond textbooks; it empowers students with practical skills. He has helped students learn how to install and maintain solar equipment, repair LED bulbs, and even create unique devices. Over the past few years, these students have manufactured solar lights, power banks, and emergency lights. They’ve repaired over 10,000 LED bulbs and created more than 20,000 LED lights along with 1,500 solar-powered bulbs.

Vasudev Kumar, the headmaster of the school, supports Animesh’s methods, saying, “While many teachers stick to the syllabus, he ensures that kids engage in practical work.” The impact of these efforts extends beyond just academics. It serves as a step towards reducing reliance on coal, essential for the state aspiring to move towards greener energy solutions.

Solar Solutions for the Community

The students’ work has had a ripple effect in the village. They began by repairing and selling LED bulbs, initially facing skepticism from villagers. However, when residents saw the quality and affordability of the bulbs, attitudes changed. The students also created solar lights to help street vendors stay open longer during market hours, thus empowering the local economy.

For instance, 20-year-old Aparna Kumari shared, “Previously, vendors had to close by 6 PM due to fading light. Our solar lights helped them stay open longer.” The idea blossomed even further when the students developed an emergency solar device after witnessing the chaos caused by Cyclone Yaas in 2021.

Breaking Gender Norms and Empowering Women

Interestingly, the majority of students taking part in this vocational program have been girls. Deepika Kumari, a former student, pointed out, “Boys mostly go for traditional ITI courses, leaving this path for us.” This trend is significant in a society where vocational training is often dominated by males.

Chandra’s goal is to change perceptions around vocational education. He believes it deserves equal recognition as conventional academic paths. The success of these young women has not gone unnoticed; they have been recognized by UN Women as leaders in their community and are now pursuing diplomas in electrical engineering.

Opportunities and Future Aspirations

Deepika, along with her classmates, has received grants to further explore green energy solutions for Dantoo. “We dream of making our village completely powered by solar energy,” Deepika shares. Their aspirations include installing solar streetlights and powering public places like schools and health centres with renewable energy.

The Kumari girls also spearheaded a training program for women in the community under the PM Surya Ghar scheme, teaching them how to install solar panels. Pramila Devi, who attended the training, expressed gratitude: “As a homemaker with limited education, I never had such opportunities before.”

Challenges Ahead

Despite their accomplishments, the young women face obstacles. Logistic issues, such as irregular power supply and funding delays, can make completing projects challenging. Animesh reiterated that while they have the skills to repair solar panels at their school, they need administrative approval to proceed, complicating their efforts.

Additionally, cultural norms can hinder opportunities for women in the field. Some trained women find it challenging to accept job offers that require them to travel outside their village.

Conclusion: A Bright Future

Despite these hurdles, the students and teacher remain determined. They are now working on establishing a small business to continue supporting their initiatives. With plans for more sustainable products—from solar-powered devices to eco-friendly items—they are truly paving the way for a greener future for Dantoo.

Their story reflects the power of youth-led innovation in addressing local issues while creating a brighter future not just for themselves but for their entire community.

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SolarWomen #DantooInnovators #GreenEnergy #WomenEmpowerment #SolarTechnology #Jharkhand #SustainableFuture #YouthLeadership #VocationalTraining #CleanEnergy

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