Architect's Solar Lamp Lets Street Vendors Work After Dark

When dusk falls in Indian cities, women street vendors face an impossible choice: pack up early and lose income, or risk selling produce in the dark where customers won't buy.

Aakarsh Shamanur, a Bengaluru architect, noticed this daily struggle and refused to accept it as inevitable. In 2017, he launched Be Po-Lite, designing portable solar lamps specifically for these vendors.

The 3-watt lamp works for up to 10 hours on a single charge and takes just five to six hours to power up during the day. It's bright enough to light up a vegetable cart after dark and doubles as a phone charger, making it a true lifeline for vendors.

The impact goes beyond just work hours. When vendors take the lamps home, their children can study after dark in neighborhoods where electricity is unreliable or nonexistent.

Aakarsh told local media that each vendor saves about Rs 1,200 monthly by switching from kerosene or rented lighting. That's real money going back into families who need it most.

The project started as a crowdfunded venture, bringing together everyday people who wanted to help. Aakarsh made sure every lamp was "tailor-made to suit the needs of vendors," not just a generic solution.

The Ripple Effect

What began in Bengaluru has already spread to Hubballi and Hiriyur. Each new city means dozens more women can work safely into the evening, transforming their earning potential.

The vendors aren't just getting light. They're getting dignity, safety, and control over their own schedules. Customers feel more confident buying after dark when produce is clearly visible.

Beyond individual vendors, the solar technology means zero emissions and no ongoing fuel costs. It's a solution that's good for families, good for business, and good for the planet.

Aakarsh's vision is straightforward: reach every woman street vendor across India. With each lamp that lights up a cart, that dream gets a little brighter.