India, one of the fastest growing economies in the world, stills has villages that are without power, without water and without direct government involvement.

A single man, chosen by the village elders, attended a specially designed college for those living in such villages. There he learned of ways to improve life for his family and friends back home. What did he bring them?

Solar light of course!

Many people don’t realize the impact a reliable source of light can have. If you have no light and the sun sets, the day is over. Your workable hours have been exhausted. Now with a source of “free” light, these villagers can be productive past the setting of the sun.

The college where this young man (Hanuman Ram) acuired the skills to help bring Solar power to this remote village (Gudda) has also inspired an entrepreneurial spark. A group of women, also taught at the nearby college, have formed to build & sell a solar cooker which is able to quickly and cheaply boil water.

It wasn’t clear from the article what the cost of attendance is at this college entitled the “Barefoot College” or who financially backs it but it seems to be bring about positive change; even if it is a bit slow compared to the rapid growth of capitalist India.