Life has changed for the residents of 230 villages in Parvathipuram Manyam district of Andhra Pradesh, after their villages were illuminated through a CSR initiative. This transformative project has brought sustainable lighting solutions to 17,766 families, positively impacting over 78,200 lives across the region.
‘Har Gaon Roshan’ (Lighting up every village) is the flagship CSR initiative of Signify under the company’s commitment to illuminate rural India. The implementation partner for the project is grassroots NGO Jana Kalyana Samakhya (JKS).
The CSR project involves the local communities to ensure the outdoor lighting solutions are optimally placed and properly maintained. Local community members are trained in basic maintenance of the lighting systems, creating a sustainable model for long-term impact.
Talking about the CSR project, Nikhil Gupta, Head of Marketing, Strategy, Government Affairs & CSR – Signify, Greater India, said, “Access to reliable lighting is a cornerstone of development—it empowers individuals, strengthens communities, and drives progress. With Har Gaon Roshan, our aim goes beyond infrastructure; we are enabling safer environments, better learning outcomes, and economic opportunities. Each installation reflects our enduring commitment to sustainability, social impact, and our belief in the transformative power of light to create brighter lives and a better world.”
Har Gaon Roshan targets villages in remote areas
The Har Gaon Roshan CSR initiative focuses on villages in remote and underserved regions where electricity infrastructure is available, but adequate outdoor lighting is still lacking.
By providing energy-efficient LED lighting solutions, the CSR programme provides sustainable illumination that requires minimal maintenance while delivering maximum impact.
The Har Gaon Roshan CSR initiative has already brought light to a host of villages across India. This collaborative effort has been carried out with active support from the district administration and village representatives, bringing together various stakeholders to realise a shared goal of rural empowerment through lighting.
Solar streetlights for over 300 forest villages in Bahraich, Uttar Pradesh
Har Gaon Roshan CSR project executed in partnership with FINISH Society recently installed over 5000 high-quality LED and solar streetlights across 300 forest villages in Uttar Pradesh’s Bahraich.
The aim is to enhance safety in forest regions affected by human-wildlife conflict using the power of light. Bahraich is recognized as one of India’s aspirational districts, with a focus on improving health, education, and infrastructure. The installation of energy-efficient lights has reduced human-wildlife conflict, allowing villagers to move freely and securely after dark, has also extended opportunities for livelihood activities and improved access to education, particularly for children studying in the evenings.
This collaborative effort has been carried out with active support from the Forest Department and the local communities, bringing together various stakeholders to realize a shared goal of rural empowerment through lighting.
Solar and LED Lights for 55 Villages in Chhatarpur, Madhya Pradesh
Har Gaon Roshan CSR project has recently brightened up 55 villages in Chhatarpur District, Madhya Pradesh.
At least 2000 energy efficient LED streetlights were installed along with 700 solar home lighting system, and 100 solar streetlights across these tribal villages, ensuring the safety of the residents and tourists.
Impacting over 70,000 lives, this Corporate Social Responsibility initiative prioritises women safety, promotes tourism, enhances security, and socio-economic development through sustainable lighting solutions. The project was executed in partnership with Haritika, NGO.
Majuli Island in Assam received solar lighting
The CSR project illuminated 43 villages in Majuli Island, Assam, with solar street lighting to enhance the safety of local citizens in 2023. The project executed in partnership with Evangelical Social Action Forum (ESAF) focuses on sustainable rural development.
Majuli is one of the world’s largest river islands and is often dubbed the cultural capital of Assam as it is home to many ethnic groups that have lived here for centuries. It is also a natural habitat for rich flora and fauna, harbouring many rare and endangered species, especially migratory birds, that make Majuli their home during the cold winters.
But every year, during the monsoons, the swirling waters of the Bramhaputra river bring life on the island to a standstill, making it inaccessible and cut off from the mainland. After sunset, the island is engulfed in a thick veil of darkness, making it unsafe to venture out or conduct any economic activity.
Keeping in mind these unique challenges faced by the locals, 100 solar-powered streetlights were installed to make the streets safer for the citizens after dark. The company also donated 2,000 solar portable lamps to households for indoor lighting, replacing the kerosene lamps that left harmful fumes. According to the project estimates, more than 32,000 people living on the island are expected to benefit from this initiative.