- Bhavesh Suthar
- 15th April 2026
Lighting the Path to Play: How Khel Jyoti Transformed a KGBV Girls’ Hostel in Rural Rajasthan
For many of these students, the hostel is more than just a place to stay. It is where they study, grow together, build friendships, and quietly shape their aspirations for the future.
Despite limited facilities, the girls have shown remarkable enthusiasm for sports. Even in the absence of a dedicated Physical Training teacher, their determination has led to impressive achievements. In fact, the students from this KGBV reached the district-level sports tournament last year, reflecting both their interest and potential in sports.
The hostel building is located about 50 meters from the school, allowing easy movement between classrooms and living spaces. Within the hostel premises, there is an open area where the girls spend their free time—sitting together, sharing meals, talking with friends, and often playing games after completing their daily routines.
However, as evening approaches and daylight fades, the environment used to change significantly.
The corridors and open spaces would become dark, creating daily challenges for the girls. The washrooms, located at one end of the hostel building, were at a distance from the rooms. Due to the lack of proper lighting, many girls felt hesitant and uncomfortable stepping outside at night, even for basic needs.
This lack of lighting did not just affect mobility—it also limited their access to sports.
After school hours, meals, and study time, the evening remained the only window for recreation and physical activity. Yet, without adequate lighting, the girls had to stop playing soon after sunset. Even if they wished to continue till 8 or 9 PM, the dark surroundings made it difficult and unsafe.
Recognizing this gap, Project Khel Jyoti was introduced with a simple yet powerful objective: to ensure that lack of lighting does not become a barrier to play, practice, and confidence-building.
With the support of Signify, a global leader in lighting solutions, proper lighting infrastructure was installed within the hostel premises. The initiative was implemented by Shrusti Seva Samiti and executed by Newage Evolution Foundation, ensuring that the intervention directly addressed the needs of the girls.
The impact has been immediate and meaningful.
The hostel corridors and open spaces are now well-lit, allowing the girls to move freely and safely at night. Visiting washrooms is no longer a source of discomfort or fear.
More importantly, the introduction of lighting has extended their playtime.
The girls can now continue playing sports even after sunset. Badminton, in particular, has become one of the most popular activities, as it can be easily played within the hostel premises. After completing their daily responsibilities, the girls gather in the open space, practicing, playing, and enjoying the freedom to engage in sports without time constraints.
What was once a dark and limiting environment has now transformed into a safe, vibrant, and enabling space.
Through Project Khel Jyoti and the support of Signify, the hostel has become a place where girls can move confidently, play freely, and continue pursuing their aspirations.
Sometimes, a simple intervention—like bringing light into a space—can create a profound impact, ensuring that every girl’s journey continues to shine, even after the sun sets.