In a landmark moment for Nagaland’s clean energy movement, Sashimongla Sangtam, founder of A&D Solar Enterprise, has been conferred the prestigious “DRE Woman of the Year” award at the India Distributed Renewable Energy Summit (IDRES) 2026 in New Delhi. The recognition, presented at the national platform organised by the Clean Energy Access Network (CLEAN) and supported by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), places a spotlight not only on her individual journey but also on the transformative potential of decentralised renewable energy (DRE) in India’s Northeast. Competing alongside distinguished professionals and entrepreneurs from across the country, Sangtam’s achievement reflects both her personal perseverance and the growing footprint of Nagaland in India’s clean energy transition.

Understanding the Power of Decentralised Renewable Energy

Decentralised renewable energy refers to clean energy systems generated and distributed close to the point of consumption rather than relying solely on large, centralised power plants. In regions like Nagaland, where terrain and remoteness often limit grid connectivity, DRE solutions such as solar dryers, off-grid power systems and micro solar units are not just technological alternatives they are lifelines. 

Through A&D Solar Enterprise, Sangtam has championed precisely this model. Her work demonstrates how decentralised solar solutions can create climate-resilient livelihoods while addressing structural challenges like unreliable electricity, high energy costs and limited economic opportunities. In a state where agriculture and small-scale enterprises form the backbone of rural livelihoods, solar dryers have allowed farmers and entrepreneurs to preserve produce more efficiently, reduce post-harvest losses and increase income. Off-grid systems have empowered micro-enterprises to operate consistently, lowering dependency on costly diesel generators and unstable power supply.

Empowering Women and Vulnerable Communities

What makes Sangtam’s recognition particularly significant is its human dimension. Her initiatives have focused on livelihood generation among women, persons with disabilities (PwDs) and vulnerable communities groups that often remain on the margins of economic progress. By integrating technology deployment with hands-on training and after-sales services, A&D Solar Enterprise ensures that renewable energy is not merely installed but sustainably adopted. This holistic approach builds local capacity, enhances technical confidence and encourages community ownership. For many rural women entrepreneurs, access to reliable energy translates into longer working hours, better productivity and greater financial independence. A solar dryer, for instance, can turn seasonal produce into year-round income. A stable off-grid power unit can enable tailoring units, food processing ventures or handicraft enterprises to thrive without interruption. Sangtam’s model reflects an understanding that clean energy is not only about carbon reduction it is about dignity, inclusion and opportunity.

IDRES 2026: A National Platform for Change

The India Distributed Renewable Energy Summit (IDRES) 2026, held from February 9 to 11 in New Delhi, brought together policymakers, entrepreneurs, investors and innovators working toward expanding clean energy access across India. Organised by CLEAN and supported by MNRE, the summit highlighted scalable solutions and policy frameworks necessary to accelerate distributed renewable energy deployment. Within this competitive and innovation-driven environment, Sangtam’s selection as “DRE Woman of the Year” underscores the growing recognition of grassroots-led clean energy enterprises. It signals that impactful climate action is not limited to metropolitan centres but is emerging powerfully from states like Nagaland. The award also reflects the increasing policy emphasis on decentralised models as critical components of India’s broader clean energy and sustainable development goals.

A Milestone for Nagaland’s Clean Energy Community

For Nagaland, Sangtam’s achievement is more than a personal accomplishment—it is a moment of collective pride. Historically underrepresented in national industrial narratives, the Northeast is steadily carving out its place in India’s renewable energy ecosystem. A&D Solar Enterprise’s success story challenges long-standing perceptions about geographic limitations. It shows that innovation, when aligned with local needs, can flourish anywhere. More importantly, it highlights that climate-resilient development must include voices from ecologically sensitive and infrastructure-challenged regions. Sangtam’s leadership exemplifies how regional enterprises can contribute meaningfully to India’s energy transition while addressing socio-economic inequalities at the grassroots level.

Inspiring the Next Generation

As Nagaland celebrates this milestone, the broader message resonates nationwide. Women-led enterprises in emerging sectors are redefining leadership narratives. In a field historically dominated by large corporations and metropolitan players, decentralised innovators are proving that meaningful change often begins at the grassroots. Sashimongla Sangtam’s recognition as “DRE Woman of the Year” is not merely a trophy on a stage; it is a hope for sustainable entrepreneurship. It affirms that clean energy, when paired with inclusive intent, can illuminate not just homes and businesses but aspirations across communities. In lighting villages with solar solutions, she has also ignited a larger movement—one that positions Nagaland firmly within India’s clean energy future.