Indian Army and Aseem Foundation light up Simari village with Solar Power and Clean Energy
Srinagar, April 14 (KINS): A remote border village in Karnah Valley, Jammu & Kashmir, has been fully electrified and enabled with clean cooking solutions through a collaborative effort by the Indian Army’s Vajr Division and the Aseem Foundation, under the aegis of Chinar Corps.
Strategically located along the Line of Control, with one half of the village lying in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, Simari holds symbolic significance as Polling Booth No. 1 of India.
Until now, residents of the village faced hardships due to a lack of electricity and modern cooking facilities. The project has now transformed the lives of 53 households with the installation of solar microgrids and LPG-based cooking kits.
The initiative was dedicated to the memory of Colonel Santosh Mahadik, Shaurya Chakra, Sena Medal, who sacrificed his life in the line of duty. In a heartfelt tribute, his mother Mrs. Kalinda Mahadik, alongside the Commander of Tangdhar Brigade and Mr. Sarang Gosavi, Founder and Managing Director of Aseem Foundation, inaugurated the solar electrification project on April 14, 2025.
The inauguration ceremony was attended by a large gathering of border residents, including women, children, local elders, civil dignitaries, and members of the media. The atmosphere was filled with emotion and pride as the village celebrated the arrival of light and dignity, while paying homage to a fallen hero.
This development aligns with the Government of India’s Vibrant Villages Programme, underscoring the Indian Army’s expanded role as not just protectors of the nation but also enablers of progress in India’s remotest regions.
The Chinar Corps, in collaboration with Aseem Foundation, continues to lead efforts in rural electrification, clean energy adoption, and grassroots development across Jammu & Kashmir. This project stands as a shining example of how partnerships rooted in innovation, inclusion, and service can empower even the most isolated communities.(KINS)
