Doda, June 3: The Indian Army, under its flagship initiatives Operation Sadhbhavana and Operation Roshni, has installed solar street lights in the remote village of Kulhand in Doda district.
An official spokesperson said this initiative, aimed at empowering the Gujjar and Bakarwal communities residing in high-altitude and inaccessible areas, addresses a long-standing need for basic lighting infrastructure.
The solar street lights are more than functional additions—they symbolize safety, empowerment, and hope for communities long deprived of such amenities. The event witnessed the participation of around 180 local residents, including members of the Gujjar and Bakarwal communities, alongside 11 media personnel and 9 civil dignitaries. Community leaders, local officials, and Army representatives were also present to mark the occasion.
This initiative is yet another shining chapter in the Indian Army’s enduring efforts to support grassroots development across Jammu and Kashmir. The presence of the Army in such welfare activities reinforces its role not only as the nation’s defenders but also as active contributors to inclusive growth and social transformation.
The response from locals was overwhelmingly positive. Residents expressed deep gratitude for the Army’s support, noting how the installation of solar lights would greatly enhance their safety and mobility after dark, especially in regions that remain underserved by conventional infrastructure.
For the Gujjar and Bakarwal communities—often living on the fringes of connectivity and development—this project has brought a renewed sense of dignity and security. The warm glow of solar street lights now illuminating their village paths stands as a testament to change, unity, and a shared commitment to progress.
Inspired by the initiative, the local communities have also expressed their willingness to collaborate with the Indian Army in future developmental projects, underscoring a growing partnership rooted in trust, respect, and shared aspirations for a self-reliant future. (PIB News)
