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Updated Dec 28, 2025 · 12:46
North East News Updated Dec 28, 2025

Manipur's Solar Pioneer Lights Up Homes, Wins PM Modi's Praise on Mann Ki Baat

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in his year-end Mann Ki Baat address, highlighted the story of Moirangthem Seth from Manipur, who led a campaign to install solar panels and provide electricity to hundreds of homes in his remote area. The PM also praised other local changemakers like Margaret Ramtharsiem, who is promoting traditional handicrafts, and Chokhone Krichena, who has advanced traditional farming into commercial flower cultivation. These stories underscore a theme of local innovation and self-reliance in addressing community challenges. The recognition comes in a year that saw the Prime Minister's first visit to Manipur following the 2023 ethnic violence.

"Where there's will, there's a way": PM Modi hails Manipur resident for solar power solution to electricity crisis

New Delhi, December 28

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday lauded Moirangthem Seth, a local from Manipur, for developing a solar power solution to address the electricity crisis.

Addressing the 129th episode of his radio show Mann Ki Baat, the Prime Minister said that Moirangthem launched a campaign to install solar panels, leading to several homes in his area having solar power.

"'Where there's a will, there's a way', this saying has been proven true by a young man from Manipur, Moirangthem Seth. He is less than 40 years old. The remote area of Manipur where Moirangthem lived faced a significant electricity problem. To address this challenge, he focused on local solutions, and found this solution in solar power," PM Modi said.

He added, "In Manipur, generating solar energy is easy. So, Moirangthem launched a campaign to install solar panels, and thanks to this campaign, hundreds of homes in his area now have solar power."

In his final Mann Ki Baat for 2025, PM Modi also hailed Margaret Ramtharsiem of Churachandpur, who helped people with Manipur's traditional products, including handicrafts, and objects made from bamboo and wood.

"Margaret Ramtharsiem of Churachandpur, Manipur, is making similar efforts. She saw Manipur's traditional products, its handicrafts, and objects made from bamboo and wood, with a broader vision, and because of this vision, she transformed from a handicraft artist into a medium for transforming people's lives," he said.

Further praising another Manipur resident, he said, "Another example from Manipur is Chokhone Krichena, a resident of Senapati district. Her entire family has been involved in traditional farming. Krichena took this traditional experience to another level. She made flower cultivation her passion. Today, she connects this work with various markets and empowers local communities in her area."

This year also witnessed Prime Minister Narendra Modi's first visit to Manipur in September, post the ethnic violence in 2023.

— ANI

Reader Comments

Priya S

Wonderful to hear positive stories from the Northeast. We need more coverage of such local heroes who are solving real problems. Margaret and Chokhone's work preserving traditional crafts and farming is equally inspiring.

Rohit P

Good initiative, but the government needs to do more than just praise. Where is the large-scale investment in solar infrastructure for Manipur and other states? One man's campaign is great, but we need policy and funding to make it widespread.

Meera T

As someone from a village, I know the struggle with power cuts. Solar is a game-changer. Hope Seth bhai's model gets replicated across the country. PM highlighting it on Mann Ki Baat will definitely encourage others.

David E

Visiting India often for work. The entrepreneurial spirit here, even in remote areas, is truly remarkable. Combining traditional knowledge (like bamboo crafts) with new opportunities is a powerful formula for sustainable development.

Sneha F

Heartwarming to read. After the difficult times Manipur has seen, stories of resilience and community building are so important. These individuals are the true architects of peace and progress. More power to the people of Manipur! 🙏

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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