Goalpara, Oct 14: As the once-quiet settlement of Dubapara, situated nearly 11 kilometres from the Goalpara district headquarters, rapidly transforms into a bustling urban hub, one local educator is demonstrating how personal initiative can pave the way toward a greener future.
Shozim Uddin, a schoolteacher by profession, has successfully powered his household through solar energy for the past 15 years, standing as an inspiring local pioneer of sustainable living and clean energy adoption.
Uddin’s journey toward energy self-sufficiency began a decade and a half ago during visits to the region’s remote char (riverine) areas. In these isolated tracts with limited or non-existent access to the conventional electrical grid, he observed small solar light installations illuminating rural homes.
Intrigued by the potential of harnessing sunlight for everyday domestic needs, Uddin began engaging with the technical teams installing those early systems, learning the fundamental mechanics of photovoltaic generation and battery storage.
At the time, Dubapara suffered from highly erratic power supply and frequent blackouts that severely disrupted daily household activities. Convinced that solar power presented a viable solution to the locality’s persistent energy crisis, Uddin determinedly set out to adopt the technology himself.
Overcoming logistics and availability hurdles, he managed to procure six solar panels directly from Bengaluru, creating an initial off-grid solar setup for his domestic energy requirements.
Over the years, what started as a practical experiment born out of necessity gradually evolved into a deep commitment to sustainable living. As solar technology advanced and government policies evolved, Uddin continued to refine his household setup.
Today, he is a proud beneficiary of the central government’s PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana, under which he has upgraded his home with a modern on-grid rooftop solar power system.
The installation allows his household to generate its own clean electricity on-site, substantially lowering his monthly utility expenses and significantly reducing his overall dependence on conventional power supplied by the Assam Power Distribution Company Limited.
Uddin’s 15-year transition – from observing basic solar lamps in remote riverine communities to operating a modern grid-interactive solar residence – illustrates the profound impact individual curiosity and determination can have on environmental conservation.
Furthermore, his experience highlights how progressive government welfare programmes like the PM Surya Ghar initiative can empower ordinary citizens to adopt clean energy solutions efficiently.
In a rapidly modernising Dubapara, Shozim Uddin’s solar-powered residence offers a compelling glimpse into a future where renewable energy becomes a natural and indispensable part of everyday life.