How Did PM Modi Celebrate Bihar's 'Solar Didi' and Encourage Solar Energy Adoption?

New Delhi, Aug 31 (NationPress) Prime Minister Narendra Modi shared the remarkable journey of Devki, affectionately known as Bihar's 'Solar Didi', who revolutionized her village in Muzaffarpur by implementing solar pumps that significantly improved irrigation and increased farmers' incomes.

He encouraged citizens nationwide to embrace solar panels and utilize the abundant solar energy available in India.

During the 125th episode of his radio program 'Mann Ki Baat', the Prime Minister stated, “Recently, you may have noticed solar panels gleaming on rooftops across homes, large buildings, and government offices. People are beginning to recognize its significance and are adopting solar energy enthusiastically. Our nation is greatly favored by the Sun God… so why not maximize the energy he provides?”

Emphasizing the transformative power of solar energy for rural communities, PM Modi remarked, “Solar power is positively impacting farmers' lives. The same land, the same hard work, and the same farmers… but now, their efforts yield much greater rewards. This transformation is being driven by solar pumps and solar rice mills. Today, numerous solar rice mills have been established across various states, enhancing farmers' incomes and bringing joy to their lives.”

Reflecting on Devki's accomplishments, he noted, “Devki ji from Bihar has altered her village's destiny with a solar pump. Living in Ratanpura village, she's affectionately dubbed 'Solar Didi' by locals. Her journey was fraught with challenges—married young, managing a small farm, and raising four children without a clear future. However, her determination remained unshaken. She joined a self-help group, learned about solar pumps, and successfully implemented one that transformed her village.”

PM Modi acknowledged the visible impact of Devki's contributions throughout the region, stating, “Where previously only a few acres could be irrigated, now over 40 acres benefit from Solar Didi's pump. Other farmers in her village have joined her initiative, leading to greener crops and increased income.”

He further commended her for embracing digital transactions, sharing, “Devki ji's life was once confined within four walls, but now she operates with confidence as a Solar Didi, even receiving payments from local farmers via UPI.”

“She commands great respect in her village. Her dedication and vision have demonstrated that solar energy is not merely a source of electricity but a powerful resource that illuminates every village,” he added.

During the broadcast, PM Modi also remembered India’s legendary engineer Mokshagundam Visvesvaraya, whose birthday on September 15 is celebrated as Engineers' Day.

“Engineers are not just machine creators; they are karmayogis who turn dreams into reality. I extend my best wishes to every engineer in India,” he said.

He also mentioned the upcoming celebration of Vishwakarma Jayanti on September 17, highlighting the Centre's Vishwakarma Yojana, designed to support carpenters, blacksmiths, goldsmiths, potters, and sculptors.

“The auspicious occasion of Bhagwan Vishwakarma's puja is approaching in September. Vishwakarma Jayanti is on September 17—a day dedicated to our Vishwakarma community, who continuously pass down traditional crafts, skills, and knowledge from generation to generation,” he said.

“Our carpenters, blacksmiths, goldsmiths, potters, and sculptors have always been the backbone of India's prosperity. To assist these Vishwakarma brothers, the government has launched the Vishwakarma Yojana,” PM Modi concluded.