Nagaland: Solar Sakhi empowers 16 women

Sixteen women from Nagaland, Assam and Manipur successfully completed a three-month residential training in solar technology and sustainable livelihood skills under the Solar Sakhi Training Programme (Batch 3). The graduation ceremony was organised by ANMA Integrated Development Association (AIDA), Don Bosco, Dimapur, in partnership with BINDI International, at the AIDA campus on Tuesday.
The programme, aimed at promoting women’s empowerment and green energy in rural communities, culminated in a solemn ceremony graced by Dimapur Deputy Commissioner, Dr. Tinojongshi Chang, as the special guest.
In his address, Dr. Chang lauded AIDA and the fathers for their initiative in providing skill-based training to educated unemployed youth. He noted that while the government cannot provide jobs to everyone, such programmes equip participants with practical skills to sustain themselves and their families economically. Stressing the importance of women’s empowerment, he commended AIDA for focusing on training women in solar technology.
Highlighting the government’s commitment to renewable energy, Dr. Chang pointed out that solar power remains a priority for both central and state governments. He explained that households can avail up to 90% subsidy on solar installations—60% from the central government and 30% from the Nagaland state government—leaving only 10% of the cost to be borne by families. He urged the graduates to apply their newly acquired skills to set up projects that would generate income and benefit society. He further encouraged dissemination of such opportunities so that more youth, especially women, could benefit from training and contribute to building a self-sustaining society. Assuring continued support from the district administration, he emphasized the importance of collaboration and promised assistance whenever required.
Earlier, AIDA Executive Director and Chief Functionary, Rev. Fr. Dr. Roy George SDB highlighted AIDA’s flagship initiatives—Solar Mamas and Solar Sakhi. Through Solar Mamas, rural women are trained in Rajasthan to become semi-engineers in solar technology, enabling them to electrify homes in their villages and maintain the systems. The programme has already provided free solar electrification to 1,800 families across four states, including 550 families in Peren district (with 100 more to be completed soon), 1,000 families in Manipur, 200 in Arunachal Pradesh, and 50 in Assam (with 100 more to be added). In total, AIDA will electrify about 2,150 families in rural villages.
He described Solar Sakhi as the younger sister programme, offering three-month residential training in Dimapur. Women are trained to assemble, repair and maintain solar equipment, equipping them with tools and skills to start small businesses and provide services in their communities. He extended warm wishes to the graduating trainees, emphasizing that their skills will remain valuable as the world moves toward solar-led solutions.
The ceremony featured lighting of the lamp by the special guest and dignitaries, award presentation to the best Solar Sakhi, Khotsolu Chiero, choreography and songs by the trainees, certificate distribution, and words of gratitude by Chumtsala Sangtam. The event was chaired by Joachim, Ground Coordinator of AIDA Manipur Solar Project, with invocation by Rev. Fr. Nebu Mathew SDB, Rector, Don Bosco Campus, Dimapur, and vote of thanks by Dr. Bibiana Lungbila, HR Manager and Director of Training and Programmes.