Mangalpurwa, a small village nestled in the Katerniaghat Wildlife Sanctuary of Uttar Pradesh, spent years living in the shadow of darkness and fear. Though the village had electricity, the scattered LED bulbs on a few poles provided little light, leaving the pathways and homes unsafe after sunset. The threat of wild animals, particularly leopards, loomed large as they often roamed close to the village at night. For the villagers, stepping outside after dark was not just uncomfortable—it was life-threatening.

For Rinki, a 12th-grade student, the fear was all too real. She remembers how the evenings used to be swallowed by darkness. Her father, who often returned late from work, had to navigate dimly lit pathways, always alert to the sounds of animals nearby. Every rustle in the bushes sent a wave of anxiety through their family.

One tragic incident remains etched in the memories of the villagers. A woman from a nearby village was walking home with her child after dusk when a leopard appeared suddenly from the darkness. Despite the villagers’ efforts to save the child, it was too late. Another horrifying event occurred when one of Rinki’s relatives was attacked by a wild animal while returning home late at night. Though he survived, he was severely injured and is still recovering.

The women of the village rarely stepped outside their homes after sunset, and children, including Rinki’s younger brother Bindal, were strictly warned not to venture far. The absence of proper lighting had turned the village into a place of fear, restricting the community within the confines of their homes.

The turning point came when Signify CSR, in partnership with the Forest Department and FINISH Society, launched a project to install streetlights in 124 villages, including Mangalpurwa. This initiative brought a much-needed ray of hope to the community.

For Rinki, the streetlights became more than just a source of light—they became a protective shield, a modern-day Lakshman Rekha, marking the line between safety and danger. Her younger brother Bindal, who eagerly assisted the team installing the lights, describes them as a “boundary of protection” that reminds him of the Ramayana story where Lord Lakshman drew a line to keep Sita safe.

“These lights are like our Lakshman Rekha,” he says proudly. “They keep us safe from the wild animals that used to hide in the shadows.”

Rinki now steps outside in the evenings without hesitation. Her father returns home without fear, and the family feels a newfound sense of security. Her aunt, Shanti Devi, shares the same relief, recalling how evenings used to be filled with worry.

“We were always afraid, especially when the men came home late. Now, everything has changed because of these lights,” she says with a smile.

Even the village elders, like Savitri Devi, marvel at the transformation. “I have lived here for decades, and I have never seen such a change. These lights are a blessing for our children. They can now move around without fear.”

For Bindal, the lights mean freedom—the freedom to help his family, run errands after dusk, and play outside without looking over his shoulder.

“Earlier, I was scared to go out at night. Now I feel confident,” he says with pride.

The impact of this project is clear. Fear has been replaced with confidence, and the community has reclaimed their evenings. The once-shadowy paths are now well-lit, providing safety, peace of mind, and a sense of freedom.

To the people of Mangalpurwa, these streetlights represent more than just infrastructure—they are symbols of hope, progress, and safety. Thanks to Signify CSR, the Forest Department, and FINISH Society, the village has been transformed. The lights now stand tall, shining as a beacon of security and marking the end of an era of darkness and fear.

For Rinki and the villagers, the streetlights are their Lakshman Rekha—a glowing line of protection that marks the beginning of a new, fearless chapter in their lives.