From Darkness to Solar Light: Dantoo Girls Lead Rural Empowerment
Rahul Sharma, Bokaro
In the small village of Dantoo near Peterwar in Bokaro district, a group of young women has turned everyday struggles into a story of hope and innovation. Once troubled by long power cuts that disrupted their studies, these students are now leading the way in renewable energy and women empowerment.
The journey began at +2 High School Dantoo, where Usha Kumari, Priti Kumari, Rani Kumari, Deepika Kumari, Pooja Kumari and Aparna Kumari received training in solar technology under their teacher Animesh Chandra. Later, professional courses at the Tata Power Skill Development Institute (TPSDI), Maithon, gave them the confidence to tackle real problems faced by rural households.
Inspired by the hardships of the COVID-19 pandemic, the team designed affordable solar products such as a smart solar dryer, solar tree, multipurpose solar unit, solar vendor lights and solar grass cutter. These innovations are practical, low-cost and suited to the needs of farmers and villagers.
Their work soon grew beyond invention. The girls trained women and youth in solar skills, encouraged green entrepreneurship, and helped more than 200 villagers adopt renewable energy. They facilitated rooftop solar installations at eight community institutions, supported proposals for 300 solar street lights, and enabled over 30 women and youth to receive professional solar training at TPSDI. Their efforts have also inspired younger students to join the movement.
Recognition followed quickly. The team showcased their projects before government officials, SAIL, CCL and the Jharkhand Education Department. They represented Jharkhand at the IndiaSkills Competition, won Eco Innovation Awards from SAIL Bokaro Steel Plant, and were selected for the National Youth Climate Consortium Fellowship supported by YuWaah UNICEF. With a grant of ₹1 lakh, they are now working to make Dantoo a model solar village.
From one of Bokaro’s remotest corners to the national stage, the Dantoo girls have shown that education, skill and determination can light up lives. Their story is not just about solar power—it is about the true power of women leading change.
