For the poor, rendering ironing services is a hard working manual job that requires standing for long hours, pressing clothes in constant heat. Ashok, a presswala (ironing service provider), however does so dedicatedly. He resides in Uttarpara, West Bengal with his wife, who is a homemaker and two children. Ashok himself neither had the guidance nor the resources to study or pursue what he wanted in life, but he is determined to go any length to fulfill the aspirations of his children. His children are ambitious. They look forward to a bright future.
While Ashok and his family go about doing their work diligently during the day, evenings are unproductive and dark for the family, like for others in the village. With no electricity access, not only is Ashok’s work and subsequent earnings affected but it also disables the children from studying in the evenings, drastically reducing their study time, which they could use to excel in their studies. Unreliable electricity from the grid is one of the most challenging problems in Ashok’s Village. Having struggled for years with this arrangement, Ashok crossed paths with the d.light team who were on a field visit one day.
CLEAN Member d.light, a global leader in delivering affordable solar-powered solutions all over the world for a better energy access, had come to assess the electricity related issues of Ashok’s village and provide a sustainable solution. To match the needs of inhabitants like Ashok, the d.light team demonstrated their solar lantern S30. The lantern design is a unique one that lights up every corner of the room. As compared to traditional solutions for lighting such as kerosene lamps, d.light lantern is six times brighter and comes with a battery backup of 12 hours. Ashok was pleasantly surprised to know that the lantern came at an extremely affordably price. With these innumerable benefits, Ashok did not think twice about procuring the utility item.
Change is visible in his life ever since. He is now able to work till late in the evening which has led to an increased income for him. His children can now study for longer hours. The family has a sustainable light source now, even at nights. Ashok’s one time investment has brought multiple joys for the family. His conviction of securing a bright future for his children is now stronger than ever.