States » SouthPosted at: Oct 23 2026 4:35PM


CK Group , SDC launches Project Ray, installs 20 solar streetlights at tribal hamlet

Chennai, Oct 23 (UNI) Bringing sustainable energy solutions to underserved tribal communities, C.K.College of Engineering and Technology (CKCET), a unit of CK Group of Educational Institutions, and the Sustainable Development Council (SDC) launched Project Ray: Sustainable Streetlight Mission (SSM) at a tribal hamet at Udhagamangalam in the hilly Nilgiris distrct of Tamil Nadu.
Proposed by Seerakku, SDC’s environmental and sustainability unit, the initiative has completed its first phase with the installation of
20 solar-powered streetlights in Koodamoola tribal hamlet in Gudalur taluk, Nilgiris district.
Home to approximately 120 tribal families, the settlement previously had only four streetlights, leaving several pathways inadequately illuminated after dark and making it difficult for residents to detect the presence of wild animals nearby. The mission addresses this essential infrastructure need while laying the groundwork for sustained community development.
The initiative draws attention to the challenges faced by communities living along forest fringes, where limited public lighting can make everyday movement after dark difficult. Located in an area characterized by wildlife movement near Mudumalai Tiger Reserve, Koodamoola requires particular attention to visibility and safety along its internal pathways and access routes. The installations prioritize village entry and exit points, pedestrian routes, areas adjoining forest boundaries and pathways commonly used by schoolchildren. Improved visibility is expected to support safer movement and help residents detect the presence of wildlife earlier, enabling them to take appropriate precautions.
Ms. Amudhavalli Ranganathan, Chairperson – UNESCO Youth Education Research Center (CREGU INDIA); Director – New Initiatives & E-Commerce, CavinKare; Executive Director, CK Group of Educational Institutions; Chairwoman, CII Indian Women Network (IWN), Tamil Nadu; and Chairperson, India, Sustainable Development Council, said, “The true value of education and institutional progress lies in how they translate into opportunities for society at large. We have an opportunity to encourage young people to look beyond conventional learning environments, understand the challenges around them and become active contributors to meaningful change. I firmly believe that when we elevate a life, we elevate generations. Going forward, we want to explore ways of connecting institutional knowledge, innovation and community participation to address evolving social needs. Our aspiration is to nurture a culture of responsibility where every generation is encouraged not only to imagine a better future, but also to take part in building it.”
Complementing the streetlighting mission, CKCET students trained local tribal schoolchildren to assemble solar study lamps using DIY kits as part of the UNESCO Youth Education Research Center – India’s “Do It Yourself – Solar Lamp Initiative”. Each participating child was presented with a lamp to support evening study. The activity combined practical learning, renewable energy awareness and community service while addressing the need for reliable study lighting.
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Tags: #CK Group # SDC launches Project Ray# installs 20 solar streetlights at tribal hamlet
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