Indian Army & Aseem Foundation Light Up Simari: Solar Power and LPG Bring New Dawn to Border Village in Memory of Braveheart Col Santosh Mahadik
Dr AR Lone
Karnah Kupwara :In a remarkable stride towards inclusive development and national service, Simari—a remote border village in the Karnah Valley of Jammu & Kashmir—has been completely electrified and made LPG-enabled. This transformation has been made possible through a joint initiative by the Indian Army’s Vajr Division and the Aseem Foundation, under the aegis of Chinar Corps.
Nestled along the Line of Control, with part of it falling in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, Simari holds immense strategic and democratic significance as India’s Polling Booth No. 1. For decades, residents of this isolated village lived with minimal access to electricity and relied on traditional, often hazardous, cooking methods. That reality changed with the installation of solar microgrids and distribution of clean LPG cooking kits to all 53 households in the village—ushering in a new era of comfort, health, and opportunity.
This heartfelt initiative has been dedicated to the memory of Colonel Santosh Mahadik, Shaurya Chakra, Sena Medal, who sacrificed his life in the service of the nation. In a moving ceremony, his mother Mrs. Kalinda Mahadik and Mr. Sarang Gosavi, Founder and MD of Aseem Foundation, jointly inaugurated the solar electrification system on April 14, 2025.
The inauguration event was attended by over 300 villagers, including women, children, local elders, media personnel, and civil dignitaries. Emotions ran high as the village celebrated the arrival of clean energy and paid homage to a hero whose legacy now lights up homes at India’s edge.
This collaborative effort underscores the Indian Army’s evolving role beyond traditional defence—positioning it as a key driver of development under the Government of India’s Vibrant Villages Programme. By bringing sustainable energy and dignity to the remotest corners of the country, the Army continues to stand as a beacon of progress and nation-building.
The Aseem Foundation, renowned for its work in rural electrification and clean energy across Jammu & Kashmir, played a pivotal role in implementing this project. Its focus on innovation, inclusion, and grassroots development continues to empower communities and bridge the gaps in India’s border regions.
The Simari project is not just about power—it is about hope, resilience, and honouring the spirit of those who serve.
