Gurez, August 27 : Two villages in Gurez valley, Refugee 1 and Refugee 2, experienced the joy of light for the first time since 1947.
Aseem Foundation, a Pune-based NGO, inaugurated a solar grid project in these villages, bringing light and hope to the community.
The inauguration ceremony was a touching tribute, attended by the parents of Major Kaustubh Rane, SM (Bar), who sacrificed his life in this region in 2018.
The entire village is filled with happiness and celebration, with men, women, and children in a festive mood. This momentous occasion marks the first time these villages have been illuminated in their entire existence.
Jehangir, a resident of Refugee 1, expressed his gratitude and awe, “My eyes have seen the light for the first time since I was born. I can’t believe it’s really possible in our village. Not only me, but the entire village is grateful to the Aseem Foundation, who have blessed us with this light. Now our children can study in the evenings, overcoming the struggles they faced in darkness.”
The arrival of light signifies more than just illumination; it represents a ray of hope. Nisar, another villager, shared his dreams, “This light is not just light, but a ray of hope. I want to become a doctor, and now I can study in the evenings with this light.”
The women of the village are particularly ecstatic, celebrating the arrival of light in their own unique way. They rejoice that they can now eat under the glow of light, and their children can study in the evenings. Their gratitude towards the Aseem Foundation knows no bounds.
Dr. Sarang Gosavi, President of the Aseem Foundation, highlighted the groundbreaking elements of the project. The newly installed solar grids provide a reliable 2KW power supply to each village. The innovative use of a Power Limiter ensures equal distribution and cost-effectiveness, promoting sustainable energy usage.
The Aseem Foundation, actively working in the Kashmir region since 2002, has previously implemented similar solar grid projects in remote villages like Gagar Hill, Jabri, and Sumwali. Their dedication to the development and empowerment of border communities is commendable.
The event witnessed the presence of a delegation of women from Pune and Mumbai, along with local community members. The parents of Major Kaustubh Rane expressed their heartfelt gratitude to the Aseem Foundation, deeply moved by this tribute to their son. They praised the Foundation’s ongoing efforts to uplift these remote areas.
The shining of light in Refugee 1 and Refugee 2 symbolizes a triumph of hope and progress. Through the Aseem Foundation’s generous efforts, these villages are no longer forgotten, but rather beacons of inspiration for other communities.
