Gurez, August 27 : Tears in the eyes, smiles on the lips – the people of the entire villages of Refugee 1, Refugee 2 of Gurez valley experienced a unique feeling of happiness as they saw the light for the first time since 1947.
Aseem Foundation, a Pune-based non-governmental organization (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 martyred in this region in 2018.
The entire villages (Refugee I and Refugee II) jumping with joy, there is a wave of happiness and celebration in the village, with all the men, women and children in a festive mood, because it’s the first time these two villages have been lit up since their existence.
Speaking to Kashmir Despatch in a joyous and celebratory mood, Ali Teru said, “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, and now our children can also study in the evenings, who were earlier struggling in the darkness.”
Ali further said that this is not just about light, but it will be seen as a ray of hope.
“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,” said Parvaiz amidst the celebration mood.
On the other hand, the women of the village are even more excited than the men, and they are celebrating this first-ever arrival of light in their own unique way, unable to contain their joy.
Speaking to Kashmir Despatch, a group of women said, “Today, for the first time, we will eat under the light, and now our children can study in the evenings. We are wordless in expressing our gratitude to the Aseem Foundation.”
Speaking to Kashmir Despatch, Dr. Sarang Gosavi, President of the Aseem Foundation, said the newly installed grids provide a reliable 2KW 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.
Pertinently, Aseem Foundation has previously implemented similar solar grid projects in remote villages like Gagar Hill, Jabri, and Sumwali. The organization 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 expressed their heartfelt gratitude to the Aseem Foundation and were deeply moved by this tribute to their son. They praised the Foundation’s ongoing efforts to uplift these remote areas.
