Lighting a Billion Lives: How Clean Energy is Powering Rural India’s Future

In this episode of The Earth Pod, Dr Amit Kumar Thakur, Associate Director & Head – CSR, TERI, discusses the remarkable journey of Lighting a Billion Lives (LaBL)—an initiative that began by providing clean solar lighting to energy-deprived communities and has evolved into LABL2.0, promoting livelihoods, women-led entrepreneurship, and climate-resilient rural development.

From solar lanterns and Women Energy Enterprises (WEE) to solar-powered boats, hybrid solar looms, and decentralized renewable energy systems, the conversation highlights how innovation, partnerships, and community participation can create lasting social, economic, and environmental impact.

Discover how clean energy is enabling dignity, opportunity, and inclusive development while contributing to India’s renewable energy ambitions and Net Zero future.