In the remote hills of Manipur, where power cuts once crushed the dreams of rural women, a quiet revolution is unfolding.
For years, households here relied on power looms and sewing machines to weave and stitch their way to economic independence. But as night fell and the electricity vanished, so did their hopes of completing their work or empowering their families.
Their creative work of weaving intricate textiles and sewing garments would grind to a halt, clipping the wings of their economic independence.
Now, thanks to solar energy, these women can work late into the night, their looms and sewing machines humming steadily. No longer at the mercy of erratic power, they are charting their own course to economic freedom.
The solar energy is also safeguarding the dreams of the next generation. With dependable lighting, children in these communities are finding the opportunity to delve into their studies after dark, uninterrupted.
Where once they struggled to read by the flicker of kerosene lanterns, now they sit beneath bright, steady lamplight – unlocking the world of knowledge that education promises.
This is the new reality in the heartland of Manipur, thanks to Seth Moirangthem.
“Solar energy is doing more than electrifying homes; it is catalysing empowerment for women and fostering an environment where children’s dreams can flourish unhampered by the limitations of their surroundings,” adds Seth, the founder of SNL Energy Solutions which has been offering affordable solar energy solutions in rural Manipur.
A new chapter of hope unfolds
A graduate in arts from Manipur University, Seth spent about eight years working with non-profits in the state, fostering cultural and literary appreciation across various communities. Through this engagement, he travelled extensively to remote areas, witnessing firsthand the challenges these communities faced due to inadequate access to electricity.
“I realised the stark reality of living without consistent electricity,” recalls the 38-year-old. His experiences opened his eyes to the struggles of the rural remote communities, especially how the lack of power impeded their daily lives and economic activities.
This realisation coincided with his encounter with the Selco Foundation, an organisation working on renewable energy solutions for rural development. Inspired and driven, Seth undertook free training in entrepreneurship from Selco.
In 2019, he founded SNL Energy Solutions — a name inspired by biblical references to “salt and light”, symbolising preservation and enlightenment. Since then, his enterprise has been effectively addressing the energy scarcity in rural Manipur by providing solar power solutions.
One of Seth’s primary focus areas was to empower women weavers who utilised power looms. “Women weavers traditionally faced multiple challenges, the most significant being the erratic power supply. This issue severely limited their production capacity, impacting their economic contributions to their families and communities,” he reiterates.
With his startup, Seth addressed the issue by integrating solar technologies with power looms. By providing solar-powered systems with a 1-kilowatt capacity that could seamlessly operate these energy-intensive machines.
The transformation these systems brought about is profound. “Women in the villages, now unfettered by power outages, can extend their working hours into the nighttime,” he adds. This increased productivity has led to improved economic conditions, allowing women to become more financially independent and contribute significantly to their households.
Initiatives such as solar-powered floating huts for fishing communities on Loktak Lake – renowned for its unique floating islands, or phumdis – have not only supported subsistence but also protected livelihoods that were once cut off from the grid.
“The fishermen would spend days at the island without any consistent power backup. They only relied on kerosene lamps and candles. Now, they do not have to worry as they have consistent power supply throughout the night because of solar-powered huts,” he adds.
Meanwhile, one of the beneficiaries Ibomcha, who hails from Kakching district, has been using solar-powered pottery wheels every day for the past six years. “I make mud utensils from 10 in the morning to 10 in the night. Earlier, when I was dependent on electricity, my work would be halted. At least now I am able to earn Rs 350 a day without depending on irregular power supply,” he shares.
“Due to erratic weather conditions, power lines often get damaged. I have two solar-powered bulbs as well, now my house does not remain in the dark and my children are also able to study under those bulbs, especially during their examinations,” adds the 52-year-old.
Illuminating homes in violence-hit Manipur
Seth also partnered with local NGOs and microfinance institutions. These collaborations enabled him to provide affordable solar technology through financing options like EMIs, making it accessible even to the economically disadvantaged.
“Typically, households choose a 40-watt solar panel, which can power a few bulbs in a three-room home, costing around Rs 18,000. However, for households looking to run power looms and sewing machines, we recommend a 1-kilowatt solar panel, priced around Rs 2 lakh,” He says.
“We help connect these households with banks and microfinance institutions to assist with the financial aspects. In Manipur, the sun sets early, around 4 pm during winter. With solar power, these homes stay illuminated for up to six hours after dark,” he adds.
“We are not just selling solar systems; we are offering assurance, a service that stands by them, even during technical hitches,” Seth affirms, emphasising the ongoing commitment to customer service.
The journey, however, has not been without challenges. From the onset of his venture, Seth faced logistical issues, especially in regions with poor road connectivity. The real test came during the COVID-19 pandemic, followed by political unrest in Manipur, which hampered operations significantly.
“Due to the recent communal violence in Manipur, we had to halt our operations for about five months. During this time, we couldn’t do anything, and the economic situation became dire. People are struggling to afford even basic necessities. We’re now working to persuade government agencies to provide support so that the end users can receive some aid,” he highlights.
These challenges propelled Seth to think beyond boundaries. He has now expanded his operations into neighbouring states like Assam, Meghalaya, and Nagaland.
In the last six years, Seth has been able to power more than 1,000 households in 100 villages in rural Manipur.
Today, as the sun rises over the rolling hills of Manipur, it carries with it a promise — a promise of sustainable empowerment and a future where rural communities are not confined by their geographic or economic constraints.
Edited by Leila Badyari Castelino; All images courtesy Seth Moirangthem
