In the dusty lanes of Madwa Khaparda, a small tribal village in Rajasthan’s Dungarpur district, a quiet revolution began — not with noise, but with grit, hope, and the unwavering spirit of one woman: Rukmini Katara.

She once dug earth for daily wages under the National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (NREGA). Today, she runs a ₹3.5 crore solar company that employs over 50 tribal women. Her journey is not just about business success — it’s about lighting up lives, both literally and figuratively.

Humble Beginnings, Strong Will

With education only up to Class 9, Rukmini's life was confined to domestic duties and labor work to make ends meet. Opportunities were rare, and dreams even rarer. But Rukmini always had a sense that life could be different — that she could rise beyond her circumstances.

The turning point came when she joined Rajivika — a government initiative designed to empower rural women through Self-Help Groups (SHGs). There, she learned to assemble solar equipment: panels, bulbs, and more. What began as training turned into transformation.

Building Durga Solar: A Mission, Not Just a Business

Rukmini’s passion and leadership soon elevated her to the top. She founded Durga Solar Company, officially registered as Dungarpur Renewable Energy Technology Pvt. Ltd. Her mission wasn’t just profit — it was impact.

The company manufactures:

Solar Panels
Solar Bulbs
Solar-Powered Equipment

But her biggest achievement isn’t what she sells — it’s who she empowers. Today, more than 50 tribal women work with her, gaining skills, income, and confidence. In communities where women’s voices are often silenced, Rukmini gave them tools to build their future.

National Recognition and Local Inspiration

In 2016, Rukmini’s achievements earned national attention when Prime Minister Narendra Modi honoured her at a prestigious event. On stage, she said:

"I studied only till Class 9, yet today I run a company. Why can’t other women do the same?"

These words continue to echo across the country — reminding women that education matters, but so does courage, consistency, and conviction.

A Role Model at Home and Beyond

Rukmini is not just a CEO — she is also a proud mother and wife. Her husband, Kamlesh, supports her vision, and their four children — Rakesh, Asha, Praveen, and Yuvraj — are all pursuing higher education, two even studying for B.Ed degrees. She’s building a legacy not just in business, but in her family.

Lighting the Way Forward

From laying bricks to laying the foundation of a thriving business, Rukmini Katara has rewritten what success looks like for rural women. Her journey proves that you don’t need a city, a degree, or wealth to lead — you need purpose.

In the glow of every solar lamp she installs, there’s a message: No dream is too small, and no woman is too ordinary to rise.

Rukmini Katara: From NREGA Worker to Solar Queen of Rural India