HomeKashmirLighting the Last Mile: Indian Army and ASEEM Foundation Bring Solar Power...

Lighting the Last Mile: Indian Army and ASEEM Foundation Bring Solar Power to Jaba Village

Kupwara: In a transformative step toward rural empowerment and sustainable development, the Indian Army, in partnership with the Pune-based ASEEM Foundation, has brought solar energy to Jaba, a remote and underserved village in the Kupwara district of Jammu and Kashmir.

This marks the first time in Jaba’s history that the village has access to a reliable and eco-friendly source of electricity. Until now, residents depended on an erratic power supply, available for barely three to four hours a day. The high cost of conventional electricity had left many families in the dark—both literally and figuratively.

The newly installed solar infrastructure now offers a consistent, cost-effective, and sustainable power source that promises to improve quality of life and open up opportunities in education, healthcare, and livelihood generation.

The project was formally dedicated on Kargil Vijay Diwas by Mrs. Pallavi Ashutosh Sharma, in memory of her late husband, Colonel Ashutosh Sharma, a decorated officer who made the supreme sacrifice in the line of duty. The inauguration was attended by officials from the Indian Army, ASEEM Foundation representatives, Panchayat leaders, and local villagers, who welcomed the initiative with deep gratitude and emotion.

“For the people of Jaba, this is not just about electricity—it’s about dignity, opportunity, and a hopeful future,” said a representative from ASEEM Foundation.

To amplify the impact of the solar electrification, the Indian Army also organised a day-long community outreach and development program, engaging multiple government departments and civil society stakeholders:

In collaboration with GMC Handwara, over 280 villagers received free medical consultations, women’s healthcare services, and essential medicines.

More than 120 cattle were examined by veterinary experts, who also guided local farmers on seasonal animal care and preventive health measures.

ICDS officials raised awareness about maternal and child health. The Agriculture Department introduced modern farming techniques to boost productivity. Fisheries officials promoted inland fish farming as a sustainable livelihood. The Animal Husbandry Department offered expert advice on improving livestock management.

This initiative showcases the power of collaboration between the Armed Forces, NGOs like ASEEM Foundation, and state government agencies to drive lasting change in India’s most remote and underserved regions. It reinforces the idea that strategic partnerships can deliver not just infrastructure—but empowerment.

For Jaba, this is not merely an energy project; it is a beacon of hope.

As the sun sets each evening and the solar lights flicker on, the people of Jaba now look toward a future that is brighter—in every sense of the word.

Aadil Akbar
Aadil Akbar
Special Correspondent (Jammu and Kashmir) - The author is a young journalist working in the field since the past 6 years. He has covered politics and human interest stories including war-like situation the Kashmir valley.

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