Archive · 20 Jul 2026
Architect Builds Solar Lamps for Indian Street Vendors
Aakarsh Shamanur, an architect from Bengaluru, noticed that women street vendors in India had to stop selling their produce as it got dark because people were hesitant to buy.
He wanted to help them, so he started a company called Be Po-Lite.
This company makes special solar-powered lamps that can light up the vendors' stalls, their homes, and even charge phones.
These lamps help the vendors work longer and save money.
Aakarsh hopes to bring these lamps to more women vendors all over India.
Women street vendors in India often stop selling as it gets dark due to buyer hesitation.
Aakarsh Shamanur, an architect, started Be Po-Lite to provide solar-powered lamps to these vendors.
The 3W portable lamps can light up stalls, homes, and charge phones, enabling vendors to work after dark.
Vendors can save Rs 1,200 per month by using these solar lamps.
Aakarsh aims to expand this initiative from Bengaluru, Hubballi, and Hiriyur to other parts of India.
- Who
- Aakarsh Shamanur, a Bengaluru-based social entrepreneur and architect
- What
- Developed solar-powered lamps for women street vendors in India
- When
- Started in 2017, republished in October 2018
- Where
- Bengaluru, Hubballi, Hiriyur, with plans to expand across India
- Why
- To help women vendors work after dark and improve their livelihoods
Proponents of Solar Lamps
Traditional Vendors
Adoption of Technology
Proponents of Solar Lamps
Proponents believe solar lamps are a sustainable and cost-effective solution that empowers women vendors to work longer hours and improve their livelihoods.
Traditional Vendors
Traditional vendors may be hesitant to adopt new technology due to initial costs or unfamiliarity with solar-powered devices.
- Founder
- Aakarsh Shamanur
- Venture Name
- Be Po-Lite
- Lamp Features
- 3W portable, solar-powered, multi-purpose (lighting, phone charging)
- Cost Savings
- Rs 1,200 per month
- Operational Hours
- Up to 10 hours with 5-6 hours of charging
- Locations
- Bengaluru, Hubballi, Hiriyur