2 Gurez villages electrified after 75-year wait

Srinagar, Aug 28: The people of Refugee-1 and Refugee-2 of Gurez Valley experienced a unique feeling of happiness after they saw the light for the first time in their lives.

Aseem Foundation, a Pune-based NGO, on Tuesday inaugurated the solar grid project in these two villages.

The inauguration ceremony was attended by the parents of Major Kaustubh Rane, SM (Bar), who was killed in this region in 2018.

The inauguration of the solar grid project has spread a wave of happiness and celebration in the village, with all men, women, and children in a festive mood as it is the first time that these two villages have been lit up since their existence.

“My eyes have seen the light for the first time since I was born. I cannot believe it is possible in our village. Not only me, but the entire village is grateful to the Aseem Foundation for lighting up our villages,” said Ali Teru, an elderly resident of the village.

“Our children can also study in the evenings, who were earlier struggling in the darkness,” he said.

Teru said that providing electricity to the village was not only about light but had also raised the hopes of the youth.

"I want to become a doctor and now I can study in the evenings," said Parvaiz Ahmad.

The womenfolk of the village are more excited over the electrification of the village.

"For the first time, we will eat our dinner under the light. Our happiness knows no bounds and we express our gratitude to the Aseem Foundation," a female resident said.

President of the Aseem Foundation, Sarang Gosavi said the newly installed grids provide a reliable 2 KW solar power supply to each village.

He highlighted the innovative use of a Power Limiter in the project, which ensures equality and cost-effectiveness for the villagers, promoting sustainable energy usage.

Earlier, Aseem Foundation set up similar solar grid projects in remote villages like Gagar Hill, Jabri, and Sumwali.

The organisation has been actively working in the region since 2002, focusing on the development and empowerment of border communities.

The event was attended by a delegation of women from Pune and Mumbai, along with local community members.

The parents of Major Kaustubh Rane also thanked the Aseem Foundation.