More than 120 solar lamps were distributed in Chyurigad village of the Dhari Landscape in Uttarakhand on Saturday as part of a collaborative clean energy initiative aimed at strengthening rural communities in the Himalayan region.
The distribution was carried out under the aegis of Himalay Unnati Mission, in partnership with Sri Sri Rural Development Program Trust (SSRDP), The Art of Living, and the PRAANA Solar Lamp Initiative. The programme focuses on improving access to clean energy while supporting education, women’s empowerment and sustainable livelihoods in remote Himalayan villages.
The solar lamps were distributed among rural households, Young Acharyas, women associated with local Self-Help Groups and community livelihood workers. The lighting support is expected to assist educational activities, skill training programmes, production work and daily household needs, particularly in areas with limited or unreliable electricity access.
Addressing the gathering, Air Marshal (Retd.) Vijay Rana, Chief Guest and CEO of Himalay Unnati Mission, underlined the role of clean energy solutions as enablers of rural transformation. He noted that in ecologically sensitive Himalayan regions, such interventions contribute simultaneously to social development and environmental conservation.
Amit Mehta, Program Director for the Landscape Development Program at Himalay Unnati Mission, said the mission prioritises community-led and need-based development across Himalayan landscapes. He added that initiatives like the PRAANA Solar Lamps play a crucial role in strengthening education, women’s livelihood activities, youth-led efforts and overall community engagement.
Anju Bahri, Director – Partnerships at Himalay Unnati Mission, highlighted the organisation’s focus on building a collaborative ecosystem that brings together institutions, communities and corporate partners. She said such partnerships are essential for ensuring long-term and scalable impact across the Himalayan region.
The event was attended by Jitendra Sahni, District Coordinator of The Art of Living, along with the Pradhan of Chyurigad Gram Panchayat, the Sarpanch of the local Van Panchayat, and Prakash Pachwadi, Community Coordinator. Villagers, women’s groups, Young Acharyas and volunteers participated actively in the programme.
Organisers said the strong community response reflected a shared commitment to clean energy adoption and holistic rural development, reinforcing the role of locally rooted, collaborative initiatives in addressing both livelihood and environmental challenges in the Himalayas.
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