In 2009 IDCA raised funds for a Solar Lantren project to be implemented in villagesof Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh where Deendayal Research Institute has been working since early 1990’s. These funds were leveraged by Dr. Prakasam Tata through Rotary Clubs of Naperville and Rotary International Foundation. Mr. Jiwan Praksh Sondhi contacted TERI in New Delhi and was able to further leverage 3:1 so as to cover total of 44 villages and provide solar lantrens to about 60 destitue families each. We also had funding from our Member India Development Service for one village which was leveraged to 4 villages. A presentation depicting the project implementation is provided at the link below.
"Let new India arise-let her arise out of the peasants' cottage, grasping the plough; out of the huts of fisherman,the cobbler, and the sweeper. Let her spring from the grocer's shop,from the oven of the fritter-seller." - Swami Vivekananda