2nd Phase Distribution of Solar Home Lighting Systems to 350 Households ANMA Integrated Development Association (AIDA), in collaboration with St. Xavier College, Jalukie, successfully carried out the second phase distribution of solar home lighting systems to 350 rural households across multiple villages in Nagaland. This initiative aims to enhance access to sustainable and renewable energy solutions in remote areas, improving education, livelihood, and household activities through reliable lighting. The distribution event took place at St. Xavier College Auditorium, Jalukie, and was graced by Shri. Sentilong Ozukum, SDO Peren, Nagaland, Rev. Dr. Fr. Roy George, the Exeuctive Director of AIDA, Rev. Dr. Fr. Francis Cheerangal, Principal of St. Xavier College, Jalukie, Dr. Bibiana Lungbila, the HR and the Director of the Solar programmes of AIDA, community leaders, the trained semi-solar engineers and beneficiaries. Rev. Dr. Fr. Francis Cheerangal welcomed all present and thanked AIDA for reaching out to the rural people of the area. The special guest of the event, Shri. Sentilong Ozukum, SDO Peren, Nagaland, addressed the gathering stressing the importance of skilling oneself with all the skills that are required for one’s life. He presented relevant examples to illustrate the importance of skilling oneself. He congratulated and appreciated the Solar Mamas (semi-solar engineers) for their determination and for completing their training successfully. The solar home systems were distributed to the representatives from the 7 villages of Libemphai, Nzuana, Ngaulong Lodi, N-Gam, Nchen, Lkiesingram, Nsenlo along with the solar mamas. Rev. Dr. Fr. Roy George SDB, Executive Director of AIDA, in his message said that our rural women play a crucial role in the adoption, promotion, and sustainability of solar energy, particularly in regions like Paren district. Their involvement not only accelerates rural electrification but also fosters women’s empowerment and economic independence. Solar Mamas are rural women who are trained to be semi-solar engineers capable of solar panel assembling, installation, and maintenance. They bring solar electrification to remote households, ensuring energy access where the grid cannot reach. Their work challenges gender stereotypes in technical fields, proving that women can be engineers and entrepreneurs added Fr. Roy George. This initiative ensures that rural households have access to cost-effective, durable, and easy-to-maintain lighting solutions, reducing dependence on kerosene lamps and other costly alternatives. It aligns with AIDA’s broader vision of promoting renewable energy adoption and climate resilience in underserved communities. AIDA’s has solar electrified 1800 rural homes so far in the four states of North East: Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Manipur and Assam. A total of 550 houses in 11 villages of Paren district are solar electrified by AIDA in a span of one year. Community members expressed their gratitude, sharing how these solar systems would significantly improve their daily lives, particularly in education, night time security, and household tasks. The event concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Mr. Johnson Gangmei, the ground coordinator of the solar programmes for Nagaland.