Aparna Kumari

Aparna Kumari is a renewable energy practitioner from Dantoo village, Bokaro (Jharkhand), with a Diploma in Electrical Engineering. A certified Solar Installation Technician, Electrical Technician, and Kisan Drone Operator, she has hands-on experience working on solar systems and rural tech solutions. Recognized by her Gram Panchayat and the Institution of Engineers India, she was named among the UN’s Top 75 Women Leaders from India, represented Jharkhand at India Skills 2024, participated in UNEA, and has been featured for her work.

Her journey started with the vocational training in her school, equipping her with the right tools to work with solar equipment. Her mission to turn her village into a Solar Sustainable Village Model aims to directly benefit farmers through solar streetlights and water pumps via PM Kusum Yojna and PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojna. Collaborating heavily with the District Administration, JREDA, and Tata Power Skill Development Institute, Aparna exemplifies how technical skilling can drive localized, clean energy transitions, making her a powerhouse for renewable energy stakeholders. She has successfully mobilized and trained over 300 youth and women in solar installation, maintenance, and LED manufacturing, while developing solar street lights, solar bulbs, and especially a smart solar dryer.

She has built a team of 30 women and youth to scale this work, created over 50 solar-based products, enabled entrepreneurship opportunities, and has been featured by platforms such as BBC, Doordarshan, and Scroll for her contributions to grassroots clean energy innovation.