High in Kashmir’s rugged Karnah Valley, the border hamlet of Simari has long been defined by its isolation. Straddling the Line of Control—half its homes visible from across in Pakistan—it also carries a proud distinction: Polling Booth No. 1 of the Republic of India, a living reminder that democracy reaches even the nation’s most remote and sensitive frontiers.

Until now, darkness was an everyday reality here. Erratic supply forced families to rely on kerosene lamps and firewood; children studied by fading twilight, and livelihoods stalled with every power cut. When villagers appealed for help, the Indian Army’s Chinar Corps answered under Operation Sadbhavana, partnering with Pune‑based Aseem Foundation to craft a solution that would not only power homes but transform lives.

A Village Re‑imagined
Solar micro‑grids:
Four clusters now stitch Simari together—each fitted with high‑efficiency panels, inverters, and battery banks that guarantee round‑the‑clock electricity.

Bright, safe homes:
Every household—53 in all, sheltering 347 residents—now enjoys LED lighting, secure power sockets, and limiters that guard against overloads.

Clean and Healthy kitchens:
New LPG connections with double‑burner stoves have ended the daily hunt for firewood, cutting smoke‑borne illness and preserving the valley’s fragile ecology.

Just as important, Aseem Foundation engineers have trained local youth to maintain the system, ensuring self‑reliance long after the last panel is installed.

In Honour of a Fallen Hero
This project is dedicated to the memory of Colonel Santosh Mahadik, Shaurya Chakra (Posthumous), who laid down his life fighting terrorists in Kupwara District on 17 November 2015. Revered for fearless leadership and an abiding love for the people of Jammu & Kashmir, Col Mahadik epitomised service beyond the call of duty.

In a poignant ceremony,  Indira Mahadik, the late officer’s mother, will travel to Simari to switch on the solar network alongside the Commander, Tangdhar Brigade, and the Deputy Commissioner, Kupwara. Their joint act of inauguration unites sacrifice, security, and civil administration—proof that inclusive development is the strongest answer to adversity.

Lighting Borders, Strengthening Democracy
With clean energy humming through its wires and smokeless stoves warming its kitchens, Simari has become more than a village; it is a beacon of hope. The glow that now spills from its windows tells a larger story—of an Army that protects while it uplifts, of citizens who refuse to be left behind, and of a nation that keeps its first polling booth forever lit.

Colonel Mahadik’s legacy lives on in every illuminated classroom, every safe meal, and every vote cast beneath Simari’s newfound light.