As part of its ongoing efforts to bring light and hopes by removing the darkness from many homes and provide an opportunity to enlighten the future of many children residing in far flung areas of Battalion AOR,Indian Army’s 52 Rashtriya Rifles conducted the second phase of Solar Lights Distribution under Operation Sadhbhavana at Butapathri on 16 September 2026.
The programme was organised as a continuation of the first phase of solar light distribution conducted in the Nagin Dhok complex, wherein 100 families were benefited with the solar lights provided by the Battalion, This initiative provided an excellent opportunity for meaningful grassroots-level interaction with the Gujjar and Bakarwal communities residing in and around Butapathri, Sochalpathri, Atar and Arian Dhoks.
A total of 160 villagers, including elders, women and children, participated in the programme. During the interaction, the Army engaged with members of the community and discussed various aspects of their traditional lifestyle, seasonal movement patterns and the challenges faced by them, particularly due to adverse weather conditions, limited availability of tracks and other administrative constraints.
The interaction fostered a better understanding of the issues and challenges faced by the Gujjar-Bakarwal community and further enhanced mutual trust, communication and cooperation between the local population and the Indian Army.
As part of the initiative, 137 solar lights, one per family, were distributed among Gujjar-Bakarwal families. These solar lights are a heartfelt attempt to address the urgent requirement of illumination in the Dhoks to facilitate studies of the children living in dhoks and meeting basic daily necessity such as charging of mobile phones in areas where conventional electrical connectivity is unavailable.
The community warmly welcomed the initiative and expressed their appreciation and gratitude for the continued outreach and welfare measures undertaken by the Indian Army under Operation Sadhbhavana.
The programme reaffirmed the Indian Army’s commitment and towards the welfare of remote communities and its endeavour to foster stronger bonds of trust, cooperation and mutual understanding with the local Awam.
