Beyond the flagship enterprises, a growing constellation of grassroots initiatives is quietly reshaping livelihoods across Kupwara - from LED workshops in remote border villages to women-led manufacturing units in Gurez.
“We have all accessories and machines for making LED bulbs - available at wholesale and retail prices.”
“Andheron mai umeed ki kiran”
The Keran LED Bulb Workshop was established in the remote village of Kundian, Keran Valley, in 2022. The initiative was launched by a group of young, innovative minds from Kundian under the leadership of Mr. Naseem Khatana. With modern technical training, the workshop produces high-quality LED bulbs locally and makes them available at affordable prices - rapidly gaining popularity across the region.
Conceived as part of the Government of India's skill development initiative, the Indian Army stepped in to train local youth in practical, employable skills. Keran Lights came into existence on 3rd November 2022 - a small enterprise that operates under Army mentorship and is fully managed by local youth, with the aim of supplying LED bulbs to every corner of Kashmir.
Today the unit produces 3,000 LED bulbs every month after rigorous testing, employs 10 local youth (5 earning a steady monthly income), and generates ₹30,000 in monthly revenue. Plans are underway to scale production to 10,000 bulbs per month and to introduce rechargeable bulbs that provide backup lighting in areas with inconsistent supply.
Premium aluminium-housed LED bulbs from ₹90 to ₹230, 1–2 year life.
AC/DC inverter bulbs with 2200 mAh battery for backup lighting.
T-5 tube lights, concealed lights, T-bulbs, dome bulbs, fancy fans.
V-shape, round, music, candle, and decoration lights (15m strings).
Solar LED street lights, wall lights, flood lights, mini emergency lights.
Wi-Fi CCTV, rechargeable table fans, extension boards, fencing torches.
Naseem Khatana: +91 60057 49049
Kundian Keran, District Kupwara, J&K · 193224 · KeranSpeaks786@gmail.com
“An endeavour to develop skill and empower the women of Kanzalwan - a joint venture of the Indian Army and Healing Touch Foundation.”
“Kishanganga Women Employment Initiative”
Harmukh Sheen VTC is a vocational training centre set up to promote women's empowerment and economic independence in Kanzalwan - by equipping local women with practical, job-specific skills in detergent manufacturing. It runs as a joint venture between the Indian Army and the Healing Touch Foundation, and is formally registered under the Registrar of Cooperative Societies, Jammu and Kashmir.
A team of seven women operates the unit today, producing 50 kg of detergent per day - around 1,500 kg every month - sold locally at ₹100 per kg. Each batch is made on-site to a precise composition: soda ash, acid slurry, tri-sodium phosphate, sodium sulphate, carboxy methyl cellulose, perfume and colour - ensuring consistent quality from the very first wash.
The long-term plan is twofold: expand the market outward from Gurez to Bandipore, Kashmir Valley, and eventually national channels through small 100g / 200g / 500g sachets; and diversify the product line into liquid detergents and detergent cakes / bars. Local promotion through eminent personalities and a formalised CRS voice will help build the brand from village to nation.
9 Kg batches with soda ash, acid slurry, TSP, sulphate, perfume & colour balls.
100g, 200g, 500g sachets - sized for household and rural markets.
Upcoming diversification into liquid format for varied use cases.
Solid-format laundry products planned as part of the next expansion.
Harmukh Sheen VTC: Via Healing Touch Foundation
Kanzalwan · Gurez Sector · Kupwara
These enterprises grow when their products find new markets. If you'd like to source from them, collaborate, mentor, or extend support - we'd love to make the introduction.
More initiatives will be added here as they take root. Watch this space.
