Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in the 125th episode of his monthly radio program Mann Ki Baat, narrated the inspiring journey of Devki Devi from Muzaffarpur, Bihar. Popularly known as Solar Didi, Devki Devi has transformed her life and the lives of many around her through solar irrigation. Modi highlighted her struggle, determination, and success as a symbol of empowerment and resilience, calling her story a shining example of how renewable energy can change lives.
A Life of Struggles and Challenges
PM Modi explained that Devki Devi’s life was far from easy. She grew up in poverty and was married off at a young age. Her husband’s unstable income made survival even harder for the family. They owned just half a katha of land, which was not enough to sustain household needs.
Despite these challenges, Devki Devi refused to give up. She decided to carve her own path and, in doing so, changed not only her own destiny but also that of her entire community.
Journey Towards Empowerment
When Devki Devi first learned about the solar irrigation scheme, she faced several hurdles. Even her husband was doubtful about whether the initiative would succeed. But she did not let skepticism stop her. With courage, determination, and the support of her self-help group, she decided to take the opportunity.
Her decision soon paid off. Today, the solar pump she operates provides irrigation to nearly 40 acres of farmland. Once confined to household chores, Devki Devi has now become a respected figure in her village, admired for her achievements.
Support from CLF and Implementation
Recognizing her dedication, the Cluster Level Federation (CLF) included Devki Devi in the first list for underground pipeline support. This enabled her to establish a solar irrigation system.
Through this system, she ensured consistent water supply for irrigation, boosted agricultural productivity, and increased farmers’ incomes. What started as a personal effort turned into a collective achievement, empowering her entire community.
Community Transformation
Devki Devi’s work had a significant impact on her village. With irrigation available for 40 acres and direct support extended to 66 farmers, she was able to generate an income of 1.4 lakh rupees. Over time, she operated the solar pump for 1141.5 hours, proving the efficiency and reliability of solar irrigation.
Earlier, farmers in her village depended on diesel pumps, which were expensive. Irrigating just 1.25 dismil of land with a diesel pump cost about 150 rupees. With solar pumps, the cost reduced drastically to just 30 rupees. This cost efficiency brought huge savings for farmers, making agriculture more profitable and sustainable.
From Struggle to Recognition
The success story of Devki Devi is now celebrated across her community. Her efforts not only improved her family’s economic condition but also brought progress to dozens of farming households. The reduced irrigation costs, higher crop productivity, and additional income helped farmers invest more confidently in their fields.
For her remarkable achievement, she earned the affectionate title of Solar Didi. Her story has now reached millions across the country through PM Modi’s Mann Ki Baat, turning her into an inspiration for many rural women.
A Role Model for Women Empowerment
Devki Devi’s journey is not only about irrigation or farming. It is about empowerment, self-belief, and determination. From struggling with poverty to becoming a role model for sustainability, she showed how women can lead change in rural communities.
Her initiative also proves the importance of renewable energy in rural development. By moving from diesel to solar, she promoted both environmental protection and economic progress.
Conclusion
The story of Devki Devi, the Solar Didi of Muzaffarpur, is a testimony to the power of resilience, innovation, and community spirit. With limited resources and endless challenges, she managed to build a legacy that inspired even the Prime Minister to share her journey with the nation.
By bringing irrigation to 40 acres, supporting 66 farmers, saving costs, and earning a substantial income, Devki Devi has become a symbol of empowerment in Bihar. Her life demonstrates that with determination, even small opportunities can lead to transformative change.
As PM Modi said, her story is not just about farming but about courage, struggle, and the determination to rise above circumstances. Devki Devi’s journey shows that true change begins when individuals take bold steps, turning adversity into opportunity.
