World Earth Day is a day designed to inspire awareness and appreciation for the earth's environment and to reduce the impact of climate change.

At NDTV, we did our bit for the environment in February with the first of its kind 24-hour telethon.
The NDTV Toyota Greenathon was a non-stop television event that raised money for TERI's Light a Billion Lives scheme that aims at solar powering villages across India.

The initiative received an overwhelming response from our viewers. So far, nine villages in Rajasthan, 16 in Orissa, 16 in West Bengal, two in Haryana, two in Assam and three in Jharkhand have benefitted from the project.

In a follow up, the NDTV team visited the Bad Gujran village in Rajasthan and found that the solar lamps had transformed life there. The village was sponsored by Qualcomm.

Not long ago, this little Rajasthan village would plunge into darkness as the sun went down. Kerosene lamps were all that the villagers had to light up their lives. But these lamps also burnt a hole in their pockets and gave out toxic fumes.

But that is not the case anymore. TERI's Light a Billion Lives initiative has brought a revolution to this village with its solar lamps- each of which costs a mere Rs 2 and lasts the entire night.

Mahavir Singh, an enterpreneur, in whose house the solar charging station has been set up, lists the benefits.

"It was difficult for children to study earlier with kerosene lamps. The wind would put off the lamps and the fumes were also harmful. With these solar lamps, children are able to study properly. It is also helping women in their household chores. Earlier with kerosene lamps we would only be able to study for an hour. But now, we are able to study for 3-4 hours," said Mahavir Singh.

Villagers say they can now work through the night and celebrate through the night. Whether at work or play, solar lamps have now become an essential part of village life.