Hari Sankar
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“It’s not just science and technology but the philosophy of life that is going to enable humans towards a sustainable life”, said IIT professor Dr. Chetan Singh Solanki while delivering his address on living a carbon-neutral life. Prof. Solanki felicitated Saswat Sourav Panda, a young solar achiever during a virtual webinar conducted by Solar Energy Society of India (SESI) on 1 June 2021.
Quoting Gandhi’s philosophy and learnings from the Shastras, Prof. Solanki said that limited consumption and localized production are key areas to be focused upon in today’s world. He said, “As a Professor, I ask questions: today in the name of comfortability what we are achieving ‒ modernity or stupidity?”
Elaborating further he said, “Once holy, the rivers of India are now polluted and poisoned, 33% of the soil globally is degraded. Forest considered the lungs of our planet are being cut. More than science and technology, the philosophy of life will make more sense. If we are not able to change our approach towards life, giving a solution for a problem may only create another problem.”
Prof. Solanki spoke about the infinite possibilities of solar energy. He said that he was happy to felicitate Saswat who has been a step ahead in using solar energy by organizing a carbon-neutral marriage function and what he did required courage.
Saswat Sourav Panda is a mechanical engineer from Odisha who was selected as the winner of the Solar Young Achiever Program Series by SESI. An MBA from the University of Petroleum and Energy, Panda is a clean technology enthusiast, solar project expert and promoter of carbon-neutral lifestyle. He made headlines when he with support from friends and family organized his wedding in a forest as a near carbon-neutral event.
Speaking on the occasion, Saswat said, “When I was doing my solar project, the first book I read was of Dr. Chetan Singh Solanki, and today am humbled to receive the award from the person who committed his life towards renewable energy. I am also thankful to SESI, as well as Prafulla Pathak, President, SESI for motivating youngsters.”
Saswat identified carbon emissions by humans as a sin and stressed for carbon reduction.
Showering praises on Prof. Solanki and Saswat, Prafulla Pathak in his keynote delivery address said that the two individuals are living examples of practicing a carbon-neutral life. Prof. Solanki is undertaking a 11 year old solar energy yatra and his day-to-day life is powered by renewable energy. Then we have Saswat who took his wedding to a different level. Pathak stressed that it is important to handhold youngsters in India towards extensive use of renewable energy and SESI is committed to this cause.
The event was live-streamed in SESI’s official YouTube channel. SESI invites nominations from individuals who bring out innovative products and services in the field of renewable energy to be considered for the Solar Young Achiever Program.
