From darkness to dignity: Project Chirag brings solar power to villages

By A Representative

Aahwahan Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to environmental protection and rural development in India, is transforming lives through its Solar Village Project, known as Chirag. Led by CEO and Founder Braja Kishore Pradhan, the Foundation has been working to bring clean, solar-powered electricity to underserved communities across the country, offering a sustainable alternative to unsafe kerosene lamps and the darkness that has long defined rural nights.

For many villages, sunset has traditionally meant an end to productivity and safety. Children struggled to study under dim light, women cooked in poorly lit kitchens, and even charging a mobile phone often required traveling several kilometers and paying unaffordable fees. In areas near forests, residents faced additional risks from encounters with wild animals, making even basic tasks such as using outdoor washrooms dangerous. Project Chirag was conceived to change this reality by equipping each household with solar lights, a ceiling fan, and a power socket, while installing streetlights across villages to improve safety and mobility.

The impact has been immediate and far-reaching. To date, 28 villages across India have been illuminated under the initiative, directly benefiting 1,204 families. Children are now able to study at night, women can manage household chores more efficiently, and elderly residents feel safer moving around after dark. Communities have seen reduced reliance on polluting kerosene, while small-scale businesses and craftspeople have extended their working hours, boosting income and productivity. The availability of power sockets has also allowed families to charge phones and operate basic electrical devices without leaving their villages. For many, this marks the first time their homes have been lit with reliable electricity, opening doors to education, livelihood, and dignity.

Despite its success, the project faces significant challenges. Many of the targeted villages are located in remote, hard-to-reach areas with poor road conditions and limited transport infrastructure, making equipment delivery and installation difficult. Navigating bureaucratic processes to secure permissions from local authorities often causes delays, while language barriers complicate communication and training. To overcome these hurdles, the Foundation relies on local volunteers and partners to bridge gaps and ensure effective community engagement.

Driven by the belief that access to electricity is a basic right and a cornerstone of rural development, Aahwahan Foundation remains committed to expanding Project Chirag to many more villages in need. By lighting homes and streets with renewable energy, the initiative is not only reducing environmental impact but also empowering communities to live and work beyond daylight hours, bringing hope and opportunity to thousands across India.

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