A solar project in rural Maharashtra lights the way for a skill centre serving individuals with disabilities — and frees up resources that matter most.
At Nimbale village in Ahilyanagar district, the daily hum of a skill development centre run by Anam Prem tells its own quiet story. For the past 25 years, this sister organisation of Snehalaya has been working to improve the lives of individuals with disabilities.
The centre teaches trades, builds confidence, and expands what’s possible for people the world too often overlooks. But sustaining such work comes at a cost, and rising electricity bills have begun to strain resources that could otherwise support its students.
Pune Vijaynagar Lions Club, District 3234D2, decided to step in. The club planned, funded, and installed a 20 kW solar power system at the centre. The project was inaugurated by District Governor Rajesh Agarwal, in the presence of Second Vice District Governor Rajendra Goyal, Club President Rajashri Sheth, and other Lion leaders.
The solar system was sponsored by PDG Arun Sheth and Lion Sunita Sheth, and co-sponsored by Smt Kamalabai Chopada. The installation was carried out by the club itself, reflecting the hands-on approach that defines Lions service at its best.
The impact is both immediate and sustained. The solar system reduces the centre’s monthly electricity expenses by approximately ₹50,000 — funds that Anam Prem can now redirect toward student welfare and skill development programs. For a centre already doing meaningful work, these freed resources allow more to be done, month after month.