Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in his monthly radio programme Mann Ki Baat on Sunday (August 31,2025), brought the inspiring journey of a woman farmer from Bihar into the national spotlight. Devki Devi, popularly known as “Solar Didi,” has become a symbol of how renewable energy can transform lives and empower rural communities.
During the 125th episode of Mann Ki Baat, PM Modi described how Devki Devi changed her life and her village through the use of a solar pump. Married at a young age and burdened with the responsibility of raising four children on a small farm, she once struggled to secure a stable future. Determined to improve her circumstances, she joined a self-help group and learned about the benefits of solar pumps. With persistent efforts, she successfully installed one in her village. The pump now irrigates over 40 acres of farmland, benefiting not only her farm but also other farmers who have joined her initiative. Crops that once withered are now flourishing, and incomes are steadily rising.
Devki Devi’s impact extends beyond farming. Once confined largely to her home, she now earns respect as a community leader. Farmers pay her through digital transactions like UPI, reflecting her growing confidence and financial independence. Her story exemplifies how solar energy is not just a source of electricity but also a catalyst for empowerment, opportunity, and dignity.
PM Modi urged people across the country to adopt solar energy. “These days, you must have often seen solar panels shining atop houses, big buildings, and government offices. Our country is blessed by the Sun God, so why not make full use of this energy?” he said. He added that solar power is transforming agriculture by powering pumps and rice mills, helping farmers increase their yields and incomes.
Prime Minister also paid tribute to India’s eminent engineer Mokshagundam Visvesvaraya, whose birth anniversary on September 15 is celebrated as Engineers’ Day, describing engineers as “karmayogis who turn dreams into reality.”
He further highlighted the upcoming Vishwakarma Jayanti on September 17 and noted the government’s Vishwakarma Yojana, launched to support traditional artisans including carpenters, blacksmiths, goldsmiths, potters, and sculptors.
