A solar energy entrepreneur from Manipur has received national recognition after Prime Minister Narendra Modi mentioned his work during the latest episode of the monthly radio programme Mann Ki Baat. The Prime Minister highlighted the efforts of Moirangthem Seth, who has been working for years to bring solar power to remote and underserved communities in the state. Seth comes from a region where electricity supply has often been weak and unreliable. Many villages still face frequent power cuts, and some remote areas continue to struggle with limited access to the main power grid. After growing up with these challenges, he decided to focus on solar energy as a simple and practical way to support everyday life in such places.
His initiative has slowly grown over time. Today, hundreds of families in interior parts of Manipur are using solar-based systems installed through his efforts. These small but steady improvements have helped households light their homes, charge devices, and carry out daily work without depending fully on grid electricity. Health centres in some rural locations have also benefited from solar installations. With solar support, these facilities are better able to run basic services even during power cuts, which is especially important for patient care, storage of medicines, and emergency needs. Local residents say the change has brought a sense of stability to services that were earlier disrupted by frequent outages.
During the radio address, the Prime Minister said Seth’s work shows how locally driven ideas can help solve long-standing challenges. He pointed out that renewable energy is not only environmentally friendly, but also useful for people who live far from major towns and cities. By using solar systems, such communities can gain steady access to electricity without waiting for large projects or heavy infrastructure. The same episode of Mann Ki Baat also mentioned another Manipur entrepreneur, K. Chokhone Krechina from Senapati district. She has been working to support rural livelihoods and women-led activities in her area. Her inclusion in the programme highlighted how grassroots initiatives are helping improve income opportunities and community development across the region.
