Handwara, July 26 — In a heartfelt tribute to India’s brave soldiers on Kargil Vijay Diwas, the Indian Army, in collaboration with the ASEEM Foundation, inaugurated a solar microgrid in Jaba village of Handwara, Kupwara district. The initiative marks a significant step toward rural development and energy self-reliance in remote areas of Jammu and Kashmir.
The project was launched under the Army’s Civic Action Programme, with the aim of transforming underserved villages through sustainable energy solutions. The microgrid is expected to benefit dozens of households in Jaba, which has long struggled with inconsistent electricity supply due to its challenging terrain and remoteness.
“This initiative is a symbol of light — not just in homes, but in lives. On this Kargil Vijay Diwas, we honour our martyrs by continuing their legacy of service to the nation,” said a senior Army official present at the inauguration.
Representatives from ASEEM Foundation, a Pune-based NGO working in conflict-affected regions, highlighted the importance of the project in empowering local communities, reducing their dependence on traditional fuel sources, and opening avenues for digital access, education, and local entrepreneurship.
“When we bring electricity to a village, we also bring opportunity. This is about dignity, inclusion, and hope,” said a volunteer from ASEEM Foundation.
The local residents, including women and schoolchildren, participated in the event, thanking the Indian Army for its continued support in uplifting far-flung villages in North Kashmir.
The inauguration also included a small cultural tribute to the Kargil War heroes, where villagers lit candles and offered prayers for the soldiers who laid down their lives for the nation in 1999.
This project is part of a larger effort to integrate clean energy infrastructure in Kashmir’s border villages, enhancing resilience and improving quality of life through public-private partnerships.
