At just 18 years old, Uday Bhatia is not just dreaming big—he’s transforming lives. With his innovative inverter bulbs, Uday has brought light to thousands of homes in rural India, where frequent power cuts disrupt daily life.
His efforts have already reached five states, including Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Haryana, and Punjab, and his journey continues to inspire.
The Beginning: A Spark of an Idea
In the spring of 2022, a young 16-year-old named Uday Bhatia set out to the village of Bichpuri in Uttar Pradesh. His mission was simple—teach 30 students about financial literacy and ways to build a sustainable livelihood. It was a school project, something to complete over the break. But what he discovered in Bichpuri would forever change his life and impact thousands of others along the way.
On the second day of his visit, Uday arrived ready to continue his lessons, but something puzzled him—none of the students had done their homework. When he asked why, their answer revealed a much larger problem. The village faced daily power outages that lasted six to eight hours, leaving the children with no light to study by. Their only alternative was kerosene lamps, but these came with their own issues: harmful smoke, respiratory risks, eye irritation, and an unsafe environment.
Hearing this, Uday couldn’t sit still. “It felt wrong to see such bright, eager kids held back by something as basic as light,” he says. What began as a school project became a personal mission to solve the problem.
A Simple Idea with a Complex Execution
Uday started with no clear direction but a strong determination to create an affordable solution for power outages. He explored options like solar panels and hydropower but ultimately zeroed in on power storage systems. His idea was straightforward: use a rechargeable lithium-ion cell to store energy when the bulb was connected to power and use that energy to provide light during outages.
The first prototypes offered only three hours of backup, which wasn’t enough for most households. Determined to improve, Uday applied his computer science skills and devised a unique solution. Using a technique called pulse-width modulation combined with dynamic lumen technology, he developed a way to adjust the bulb’s brightness. This allowed users to extend the backup duration based on their needs.
“For example, if someone needs 9 watts of brightness instead of 12 watts, they can reduce the bulb’s brightness and extend its backup duration,” Uday explains. This customization made the bulbs adaptable to different environments, from rural villages with frequent outages to Himalayan regions with improved energy access.
From a Modest Start to a Remarkable Impact
After testing 24 prototypes, Uday successfully created a bulb with a 10-hour backup capacity. In June 2022, he founded Uday Electric, a brand dedicated to bringing light to underserved areas. The name combines the meaning of his name, “the rising sun,” with his mission to brighten lives. The tagline, “Bijli gul fir bhi ujaala full” (Even if power cuts happen, there’s still light), captures the essence of his invention.
The journey wasn’t easy. For six months, Uday focused on intensive research and development. His first donation drive was held in Dehradun’s Kabadi Bazaar, followed by another collaboration with the Aasra Foundation. Slowly but surely, his bulbs began to illuminate homes in need.
Building a Sustainable Future
Uday’s vision extends far beyond emergency bulbs. He dreams of bringing light to every household in rural India, especially in areas where electricity is yet to reach. “Uday Electric is not just a bulb,” he says. “I see us expanding into renewable energy solutions soon.”
While the Diana Award 2023 has brought recognition, Uday finds his true reward in the impact he has made. Growing up, he was inspired by his father and uncle, both entrepreneurs. Even as a child, he dreamed of running a business. Before Uday Electric, he launched an edtech platform, FindOurTutor.com, to help students find tutors during the pandemic.
Overcoming Challenges
Being a teenager in the business world came with its own set of challenges. Many doubted Uday’s ability to deliver on such an ambitious goal. To gain people’s trust, he offered a one-year warranty on his bulbs—double the standard warranty provided by competitors. Though this strategy initially resulted in losses, it helped build credibility.
Uday also used creative strategies to grow his business. He cold-called retailers to assess market demand, advertised on platforms like India Mart, and conducted surveys in markets like Dehradun’s Kabadi Bazaar. Through persistence and ingenuity, Uday Electric has grown to illuminate homes across Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Rajasthan, Haryana, and Kerala.
Priced at ₹250, Uday’s bulbs are affordable compared to alternatives like inverters, which cost upwards of ₹10,000. “I’m not competing with other bulbs,” he explains. “I’m competing with expensive power storage systems.”
A Message to Aspiring Entrepreneurs
Despite his many achievements, Uday remains humble and focused on his goals. “Put your best foot forward and never give up,” he advises. “That’s how you build a successful business.”
As Uday continues to refine his products and scale up his operations, his story is a testament to the power of innovation, determination, and compassion. From a simple school project to a life-changing invention, Uday’s journey shows how one idea can make a profound difference.
Uday Electric is more than just a brand—it’s a beacon of hope for rural India, lighting the way for a brighter, more sustainable future.
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