Srinagar: In a significant step towards inclusive development and national integration, Simari—a remote border village in Karnah Valley, Jammu & Kashmir—has been fully electrified and provided with clean cooking energy through a joint initiative by the Indian Army’s Vajr Division and Pune-based NGO Aseem Foundation, under the aegis of Chinar Corps.
Simari, strategically located along the Line of Control, holds symbolic importance as Polling Booth No. 1 of India. One half of the village lies across the border in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. Until now, the residents of Simari lived with severely limited access to electricity and relied on traditional, often hazardous, cooking methods.
The project has brought transformative change to the village, equipping 53 households with solar microgrids and LPG cooking kits. The electrification initiative is a tribute to the memory of Colonel Santosh Mahadik, Shaurya Chakra, Sena Medal, who made the supreme sacrifice in service of the nation.
The inauguration ceremony of the electrification system took place on April 14, 2025, and was jointly conducted by Mrs. Kalinda Mahadik, mother of the late Colonel Mahadik, Commander Tangdhar Brigade, and Mr. Sarang Gosavi, Founder and Managing Director of Aseem Foundation.
According to the PRO (Defence), Srinagar, “This initiative honours the legacy of Col Santosh Mahadik and is a shining example of how the Indian Army is not just protecting our borders but also uplifting communities residing in the most remote and challenging terrains.”
The event witnessed an overwhelming turnout from the local population, including women, children, village elders, civil dignitaries, and media representatives. The occasion was marked by emotional tributes and a shared sense of pride, as the lights came on in Simari—quite literally brightening lives at the edge of the nation.
“The Indian Army remains deeply committed to the development of border areas in line with the Government of India’s Vibrant Villages Programme,” the PRO (Defence) Srinagar added. “Our continued partnership with Aseem Foundation highlights a model of innovation, inclusion, and public-private collaboration.”
