In a small village in the Sundarbans, West Bengal, Rita lived, around thirty-seven years old, and she was known for her hard work and courage. Her home was in a small settlement by the mangrove forests, where daily tides and nature’s challenges were part of life. Rita, a fisherman’s widow, had lost her husband, Subrat, in a storm at sea four years ago. She now lived alone with her two children, fourteen-year-old Madhu and nine-year-old Biplab.
Life in the Sundarbans was tough. Floods, storms, and wild animals were constant threats. Rita fished in the river by day and sold her catch in the village market by evening. Her earnings barely covered household expenses, but she did everything to ensure her children attended school. Madhu loved studying and dreamed of becoming a teacher, while Biplab, though young, helped his mother by cleaning fish and weaving nets.
Another problem plagued the village: a lack of electricity. As the sun set, the village plunged into darkness. Children studied by kerosene lamps, which were costly and dangerous. This troubled Rita deeply. One night, as Madhu read by the dim light of a lamp, she said, “Ma, if our village had electricity, I could study better.” Rita listened and resolved to do something.
One day, an NGO held a workshop in the village. An engineer, Sayan, spoke about solar power. Rita attended and learned that solar panels could provide affordable, safe electricity. She approached Sayan, sharing her concern: “Our village has no electricity. My children and others study in the dark. Can we arrange solar lights?” Sayan listened attentively and promised to help.
Sayan proposed a small solar project, requiring contributions of money and labor from the villagers. Rita raised the idea in the village council, but some opposed it. An elder, Mangal Da, said, “We manage with kerosene lamps. This new method will be expensive, and we don’t know if it’ll work.” Rita didn’t lose heart. She gathered the village women and children, explaining, “This is about our children’s future. If we don’t change now, they’ll always live in darkness.”
Madhu and Biplab supported their mother. Madhu educated her school friends about solar power’s benefits, while Biplab and other children created a short play showing how electricity could improve their lives. Gradually, the villagers joined Rita’s cause. Sayan’s organization donated some solar lamps and panels, and the villagers pooled funds for the rest.
After weeks of effort, the first solar lamp lit up the village. That night, as Madhu and Biplab opened their books under solar light, Rita’s eyes sparkled with joy. Soon, every home had solar lamps. Children could study easily at night, and women could work longer. Rita encouraged the women to learn solar lamp maintenance and repair. She herself mastered the skill and started a small solar repair center in the village.
A year later, Madhu won first place in a district-level exam. On stage, accepting her award, she thanked her mother, saying, “My mother gave me not just books but also light.” Rita’s eyes welled with pride. She realized her small initiative had not only brightened her children’s future but also given the village a new direction.
Moral of the story: This story teaches that even amidst challenges, a small initiative can bring big change. Courage, community collaboration, and embracing new technology can improve our lives and society’s future. Light spreads not just from electricity but also from determination and unity.