Real Heroes: Man brings light to Bihar villages

West Champaran: An electrical engineer Gyanesh Pandey left behind his American dream to bring light to villages in Bihar. Gyanesh Pandey is the founder of Husk Power system, the technology which is illuminating thousands of homes across 250 villages in Bihar.

An electrical engineer from Benaras Hindu University, a cushy job took him to Los Angeles. But Gyanesh could never get over the darkness he saw as a child in his village in Bihar's West Champaran district.

"You may have the best of the physical facilities available to you but inside you don't feel at ease because you are constantly reminded of the place you come from," Gyanesh said.

So, in 2007 Gyanesh gave up his American dream and came back to Bihar. With his long time friend Ratnesh he decided to explore rice husk, which when burnt produced gases to run motors for generating electricity.

Telling his story, Gyanesh said, "Initially we spent our own money, after that we took help from our friends in America, where we were studying. People seemed to like our plans. Once we got some recognition, we finally got funds for expansion,"

In four years' time 60 mini power plants across Bihar electrify 25000 households, brightening up almost 1,50,000 lives.

Almost 270 or 80 per cent of Husk power's employees are from the villages.

Gyanesh has truly given his people the power to empower.

Today Husk Power electrifies and employs and every house pays just Rs 80 per month to use the electricity.

"So, the idea is not to distribute for free as charity, rather, believe in the caliber of the people, believe in the fact that these people do have means to sustain themselves. The idea is to respect that. Create a system where they get an opportunity to avail a service they can. There are no free launches, the price is in line with what they can afford. Create a system that they can afford for long," Gyanesh said.

In just four years Husk Power has become a self sustainable business and every once in a while Gyanesh and his team celebrate their success under the very light they have created.

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