At just 18 years old, Uday Bhatia has achieved what many can only dream of. Through his innovative “Uday Electric” bulbs, this young changemaker has not only illuminated over 7,000 homes but also inspired countless others with his story of perseverance, ingenuity, and social impact. Uday’s journey from a small village in Uttar Pradesh to winning the prestigious Diana Award 2023 is a testament to the power of determination and purpose.
A Solution Born Out of Necessity
Uday’s journey began in Bichpuri, a village in Uttar Pradesh, where he witnessed children struggling to study in the dark due to frequent power outages. Determined to make a difference, he invested ₹30,000 to create 50 inverter bulbs. Priced affordably at ₹250 each, these bulbs provide 8-10 hours of backup light during outages, enabling children to study and families to continue their daily activities uninterrupted.
The “Uday Electric” bulbs, powered by lithium-ion batteries and energy-saving technology, even allow users to adjust brightness to conserve power. This thoughtful design ensures practicality and sustainability, making it an ideal solution for rural households.
A Passionate Journey of Innovation
Uday’s passion for computer science played a pivotal role in the development of his bulbs. Starting with a modest workstation on his terrace in April 2022, he learned to assemble bulbs and mastered the pulse modulation algorithm through YouTube videos. Initially, his prototypes offered a four-hour backup, but Uday’s knowledge of control systems helped him optimize energy consumption and extend the backup time to 8-10 hours.
“I applied the pulse width modulation algorithm to increase backup time without increasing the battery size. Adjusting the brightness extends the backup further,” he explains. This innovation, combined with a rectifier that allows the bulb to glow during outages, resulted in a groundbreaking product tailored to the needs of rural India.
Scaling Impact: Over 7,000 Bulbs Sold
Since May 2022, Uday has sold over 7,000 bulbs across Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Madhya Pradesh, and the outskirts of Delhi. His initiative also provides local farmers and villagers with an opportunity to earn extra income by assisting in sales. Beyond business, Uday’s heart for social impact shines through his donation of 950 bulbs to households in Dehradun’s Kabadi Bazar area, where electricity is scarce.
“Seeing the joy on people’s faces when their homes were lit up was an indescribable feeling,” shares Uday. Amit Balodi of Aasra Foundation highlights how these bulbs have transformed lives in the slums, providing much-needed light at night and promoting energy conservation.
Recognition and Future Aspirations
Uday’s exceptional work earned him the Diana Award 2023, which honors young individuals creating positive social change. From assembling bulbs on his terrace to outsourcing manufacturing, his venture has come a long way. Yet, Uday is not resting on his laurels. His next goal is to develop inverter tube lights for rural factories, aiming to reduce costs and dependency on traditional inverters.
“I want to help factories in rural areas save costs and enhance productivity with sustainable lighting solutions,” he says.
Uday Bhatia’s story is a shining example of how innovation and compassion can create lasting impact. By addressing the challenges of frequent power cuts with affordable and sustainable solutions, he has brought light to thousands of homes and hope to countless lives. As he continues to expand his mission, Uday is proving that age is no barrier to making a difference. The tagline of his venture, “Bijli gul phir bhi ujjala full” (“Even with the power cut, there will still be light”), perfectly encapsulates the spirit of his work.
Uday’s journey is an inspiration for young innovators worldwide, reminding us that with determination, resourcefulness, and a heart for others, we can truly change the world.
