Over 135 PRAANA Solar Lamps and Chargers Distributed Across Chamba
Pangi:
In a significant step toward promoting clean energy and strengthening rural resilience in the high-altitude Himalayan region, over 135 PRAANA Solar Lamps and Mobile Chargers were distributed across Chasak Bhatori, Sach, Murch, and Kuthah villages in the Pangi Landscape of Chamba district on Friday.
The initiative was carried out despite harsh weather conditions, underscoring the commitment to sustainable development in some of Himachal Pradesh’s most remote and ecologically sensitive areas.
The initiative was undertaken under the aegis of the Himalay Unnati Mission (HUM) in collaboration with the Sri Sri Rural Development Program (SSRDP) Trust, The Art of Living, and the PRAANA Solar Lamp and Mobile Charger Initiative.
The programme aims to enhance access to renewable energy solutions while supporting education, women’s empowerment, and sustainable rural livelihoods.
The beneficiaries included rural households, young Acharyas, women associated with Self-Help Groups (SHGs), and community livelihood workers.
The solar lamps and mobile chargers are expected to significantly improve daily life by supporting children’s education, skill-training programmes, income-generating activities, and essential household needs, especially in areas with limited or unreliable electricity access.
Speaking on the occasion, Balram Garg, representing Himalay Unnati Mission, said that clean energy solutions are powerful catalysts for rural transformation.
“In fragile Himalayan ecosystems, initiatives like this not only uplift communities socially and economically but also contribute to long-term environmental conservation,” he noted.
Amit Mehta, Program Director – Landscape Development Program, Himalay Unnati Mission, emphasized that HUM works on community-led, need-based development models across Himalayan landscapes.
“Interventions such as PRAANA Solar Lamps strengthen education, women-led livelihood activities, youth engagement, and overall community participation, creating a sustainable development ecosystem,” he said.
The distribution event witnessed the presence of Art of Living young Acharyas Sumitra Ji, Deepa Ji, Raj Kumar Thakur Ji, and Veer Singh Rana Ji, along with local volunteer Kaul Singh Ji and Anita Thakur, Pradhan of Gram Panchayat Dharwas. A large number of villagers, women’s group members, young Acharyas, and volunteers actively participated in the programme.
The strong community participation and positive response reflected a collective commitment toward clean energy adoption and holistic rural development in the Himalayan region, reaffirming the role of collaborative efforts in bringing sustainable change to remote landscapes like Pangi.
