In a remarkable display of social responsibility and engineering acumen, Pune-based civil engineer Javed Shaikh has been bringing light to underprivileged families through his ‘Yusuf Foundation’. Inspired by his father’s memory and a deep-seated desire to serve society, Shaikh established the foundation in 2020, focusing initially on providing sustainable and free electricity to those living in darkness.
Shaikh, a graduate of Sinhagad College of Engineering, Pune, noticed during the COVID-19 pandemic that many families in the city’s poorer settlements were living without electricity, often relying on expensive and unsafe kerosene lamps. Their inability to afford electricity connections or pay bills meant years without basic amenities like lighting, fans, or mobile charging facilities.
Driven by a philanthropic spirit inherited from his family, Shaikh decided to leverage his engineering knowledge. After extensive research into cost-effective solutions, he zeroed in on solar energy. The Yusuf Foundation, named in memory of his father, began installing solar panels on the houses of families in need, starting in his own neighborhood.
The initiative prioritizes families facing hardship, including those with absent or unemployed male heads of households. The solar kits, which cost approximately ₹7,000, are designed to provide eight hours of continuous power on a single charge, enabling beneficiaries to use essential electrical appliances and charge their mobile phones.
The Yusuf Foundation’s commitment extends beyond just providing electricity. The organization has also undertaken initiatives to improve road safety in Pune by filling potholes using eco-friendly methods and has distributed essential supplies like masks, food, and water to the needy, especially during the pandemic. Shaikh emphasized that the foundation’s aid is based purely on need, irrespective of religion.
Shaikh’s work has been widely appreciated, earning him the moniker ‘Allah ka banda’ (God’s man) from some beneficiaries. His efforts highlight a growing trend of individuals and organizations in India using their skills and resources to address social and environmental challenges, contributing to sustainable development and community well-being.
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The Chenab Times News Desk
