Reaching Over 50 Countries; Creating over 1 Million Student Solar Ambassadors
The world in the current scenario has contradictory energy requirements, wherein on the one hand providing universal energy access while over-exploitation of energy is causing catastrophic climate change. The world is already hotter by nearly 1°C. The world needs to adopt 100% Renewable Energy by 2050, in just 31 years according to the 2018 IPCC Report. Therefore, there is a need to relook the current energy generation scenario and its delivery mechanism.
Prof. Chetan S. Solanki from Department of Energy Science and Engineering, IIT Bombay said that this is the time to bring “Energy Swaraj” on the lines of Mahatma Gandhi’s epitomized philosophy of “Gram Swaraj.” Energy Swaraj is when the communities start generating and consuming their own energy needs. As a culmination of this yatra, a Students Solar Ambassador Workshop is organized wherein more than 1 Million Students will be given hands-on training in solar lamp assembly on 2nd October 2019. This event is based on a similar workshop was conducted in 2018 wherein more than 1.30 lakh students across India participated in it.
This noble cause which is based on the Gandhian Principles of ‘non-violence,’ ‘Swaraj’ and ‘self-sufficiency’ was initiated on 25th December 2018 from Sabarmati Ashram, which has been synonymous to the Gandhian struggle for Independence. Prof. Solanki has been traveling extensively to various countries to propagate the message of ‘Energy Swaraj.’ Till date, he has traveled to over 16 countries, and more than 60 countries are already on-board to conduct the Students Solar Ambassador Workshop. Recently, Prof. Solanki has visited various countries of Europe and America, generating much interest in this global mega-event. He also visited over six cities in the United States of America, wherein the Indian Embassy at Washington DC supporting the cause. He has traveled five continents of North America, Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Middle East.
In the new set of events, Prof. Solanki has embarked on the March to the Sun! March 150 million kilometers! Incredible! Isn't it? That is precisely what GGSY team is trying to do by walking till 2nd Oct. to celebrate the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi. Not only that one walks, every kilometer of walk results in Rs. 10 being pledged for the cause from the sponsors. The App, “Impact - Walk-Jog-Run for Fitness & Charity”, available on play store, helps one keep track of walking. The world is going to walk 150 million km in 150 days involving 150 countries to celebrate the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi. This march was launched on 5th May 2019, with 150 people marching from Nariman Point to Girgaum Chowpati, being spearheaded by Prof. Solanki.?
Prof. Solanki explained the relevance of this event, “This symbolic walk of 150 million kilometres to celebrate 150th Birth Anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi is to remind ourselves that life on Earth is sustained by Solar Energy, and we need to bring Energy Swaraj for sustainability of life on Earth.”