PM Modi's Mann ki Baat muse: How Bihar's 'Solar Didi' is powering a rural revolution

A resident of Ratanpura village in Muzaffarpur has become a celebrated example of Bihar’s rural empowerment drive after her story was highlighted by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Devki Devi, now known as ‘Solar Didi’, was featured in Narendra Modi’s monthly radio programme, ‘Mann ki Baat’, on Sunday, bringing her extraordinary journey from hardship to a community leader into the national spotlight.

According to a TOI report, Devi’s life was once defined by struggle. After her husband, Sunil Sahni, lost his job as a daily wage sweeper in 2022, the family, which includes four children, was pushed to the brink. Their situation worsened when a fire destroyed their household belongings, a period Sahni described to reporters as immensely difficult, stating, “I wish her better days in future.”

The turning point came when Devi learned of a solar irrigation initiative through her local JEEViKA self-help group. Despite initial resistance from her family and villagers who feared the scheme was a fraud, she found support amongst the ‘JEEViKA didis’. She was selected via a lottery system and secured a loan of Rs 1.5 lakh at a 10% interest rate to install a solar plant on half a kattha of her family’s land in 2023.

Her inspiration, as reported by TOI, was initially sparked by hearing Chief Minister Nitish Kumar speak on the potential of solar energy for irrigation and domestic use. That inspiration has now materialised into a thriving enterprise. Devi, who is now the president of the Krishna JEEViKA self-help group, operates a solar pump that irrigates over 40 acres of land for 112 local farmers.

Embracing modern technology, she conducts her business digitally. “Now, I take payment from the farmers through UPI. I am helping 112 farmers by irrigating their more than 40 acres of land with solar energy and also earning a good income," she told reporters, confirming that the venture now provides her family with a stable and good income.

As per TOI report, Devi’s success has made her a role model in her community. She now actively motivates other villagers to adopt solar power, ensuring better irrigation and improved incomes for the wider community.