Godavari Satpute: Lighting Lamps, Uplifting Lives

Lamps & Livelihoods Leader & Creative Social Entrepreneur

From Homemaker to Entrepreneur

Godavari Satpute, hailing from Nari village in Maharashtra, transformed her life when she spotted a paper lamp during Diwali and decided she could recreate it herself. With limited resources and turned away by banks, she borrowed a small loan from family and, with training from Bharatiya Yuva Shakti Trust, launched her venture Godavari Akashkandil around 2009–2010. Her goal: to earn and to empower women like herself.

Bright Designs, Brighter Futures

Godavari’s business now employs dozens of women from her village who craft beautifully designed paper lanterns for festivals and décor. In 2013 alone, the venture achieved annual revenue of around ₹30 lakh, and Godavari was honored as *Woman Entrepreneur of the Year* at the Youth Business International Awards in London, presented by Prince Charles.

Empowerment with Care

Beyond employment, Godavari ensures a supportive work environment: offering creche and educational facilities for employees’ children, and even appointing a doctor for medical emergencies. Her enterprise isn’t just about making lamps - it’s about building livelihoods and dignity.

Illuminating the Way Forward

What started as homemade paper lamps has become a beacon of sustainable grassroots entrepreneurship. Godavari continues innovating, scaling, and lighting up her community - proving that creativity, care, and courage can illuminate even the most unlikely paths.