From Darkness to Light: Anita Kumari’s Journey of Empowerment and Clean Energy Leadership in Rural Bihar
Anita Kumari, a dynamic leader hailing from Haripur village of Parwalpur Block in the Gaya District of Bihar, is a force to be reckoned with. Originally educated in an urban setting, Anita underwent a culture shock upon marrying into a large joint family in the underdeveloped village of Haripur. Witnessing the dismal state of the local school, Anita took matters into her own hands and started teaching village children, eventually establishing her own tuition business in 2012.
In 2017, Anita was introduced to SSP’s initiatives on clean energy solutions, particularly solar products. Recognizing the prevalent issue of frequent power cuts in her area, especially at night, Anita identified both a business opportunity and a chance to benefit her community through solar lights. Initially utilizing the solar lights during her own evening tuitions, she gradually promoted them to parents of other students facing difficulties studying at night due to power outages. Beyond her role as a respected teacher, Anita emerged as a shrewd businesswoman. Currently, she not only manages her tuition and clean energy enterprises but also mentors and supports ten other emerging clean energy entrepreneurs. Additionally, Anita actively advocates for climate-resilient agriculture, promoting sustainable practices such as organic farming and water conservation.
Recently, Anita has extended her involvement to the promotion of biogas plants within her community, given the prevalence of livestock ownership among local farmers. Engaging with government officials, including the Block Development Officer (BDO), during SSP-organized dialogues, Anita passionately discusses the benefits of biogas technology. Her leadership and entrepreneurial journey have led to invitations from other NGOs in Bihar, where she emphasizes the importance of community participation in advancing clean energy and inspires fellow women leaders.
In 2023, Anita Kumari received the ‘Jal Shakti Samman’ (Water Warrior Award) from Ghoghardiha Prakhand Swarajya Vikas Sangh (GPSVS), an NGO based in Bihar. Expressing her pride, Anita reflects, “Seeing the women I’ve mentored become respected leaders in their villages is a matter of pride for me. They have achieved financial independence and are now addressing issues faced by women and adolescent girls in their village. This is gradually altering perspectives on gender within their communities, prompting more women to step out of their homes.”
Swayam Shikshan Prayog
January 16, 2024