In the heart of Rajasthan’s rural landscape lies Barefoot College, a remarkable NGO that is changing lives one community at a time. Founded by Sanjit Bunker Roy in 1972, this innovative organization is challenging traditional development models by combining education, sustainability, and empowerment.

At the core of Barefoot College’s efforts is the incredible Solar Mamas program. Through this initiative, rural women, many of whom are grandmothers are trained to become solar engineers. These women, equipped with the skills to assemble and install solar lighting systems, are not only transforming their own villages but also lighting up communities across 93 countries.

The college trains illiterate villagers to build and maintain transformative systems, including solar electricity, water and sanitation projects, schools, clinics, and small artisan businesses, creating lasting change in rural India.

It all started in 1966 when Roy, a young post-graduate from a privileged urban background, volunteered to work with famine-stricken communities in Bihar, one of India’s most impoverished states. This life-changing experience sparked his dedication to tackling poverty and inequality.

In 1972, he founded Barefoot College in Tilonia (also known as the Social Work and Research Centre) with the vision to bridge the gap between rich and poor by bringing technology directly into the hands of rural communities. His approach was radically simple yet profoundly impactful: empower the poor by leveraging their own wisdom, skills, and resourcefulness.  

The organization does not stop at solar power, it has been pivotal in teaching sustainable farming, water management, and healthcare to rural populations. Their hands-on approach ensures that knowledge is practical and rooted in the community, providing long-lasting solutions to everyday challenges.

With a focus on self-reliance, Barefoot College has created an environment where individuals, especially women, take charge of their futures. It’s an NGO that embodies empowerment, social change, and environmental responsibility.