I was recently moved by the story of Chetan Singh Solanki (chetan@energyswaraj.org), often called the ‘Solar Man,’ who has resigned from his professorship at IIT-Bombay. This is not a simple career change; it is a profound act of commitment. He has chosen to dedicate his life entirely to his ‘Energy Swaraj Yatra,’ a movement he started in 2020, travelling across the country in a solar-powered bus to spread awareness about climate change and the urgent need for energy self-sufficiency.
Professor Solanki's decision to leave behind a prestigious academic career for a life on the road, powered by the very energy he advocates, is a powerful statement. He isn't just teaching about solar power; he is living its principles in the most direct way imaginable. His mission, as detailed in the Times of India article, is to build a public movement, emphasizing that technology and government policy alone are not enough to combat the climate crisis.
My Take
This news strikes a deep chord with my own long-held beliefs about India's energy future. For years, I have written about the necessity of a massive shift to renewable sources. In a recent blog, '500 GW of RE : at committee stage ?', I reflected on the government's top-down approach, focusing on forming task forces and creating policy frameworks to achieve ambitious national targets.
My focus has often been on the macro-level strategy—the policies, the infrastructure, and the large-scale implementation required to meet goals like 500 GW by 2030. However, Chetan Singh Solanki’s journey is a stark and inspiring reminder of the other, equally critical, side of this coin: the grassroots, bottom-up transformation of individual mindset and behaviour.
While policymakers debate frameworks in boardrooms, Professor Solanki is on the ground, demonstrating that the principles of 'Energy Swaraj'—avoiding consumption, minimizing use, and generating locally—are not abstract ideals but practical steps every individual can take. He is addressing the cultural inertia that no policy document can fully overcome.
Reflecting on it today, I see how our perspectives are not contradictory but complementary. The core idea I've championed—that India needs a robust action plan for renewable energy—is incomplete without the public awakening that Solanki is striving to create. A task force can set a target, but a public movement gives it soul and ensures its sustainability. It is the fusion of systemic change and individual responsibility that will truly power our future.
Call to Action
To our leaders and policymakers: I urge you to look beyond committees and targets. Engage with and support grassroots movements like the Energy Swaraj Yatra. The insights gained from individuals like Professor Solanki, who are deeply connected to the realities on the ground, are invaluable for crafting policies that are not just ambitious but also practical and widely adopted.
To every citizen: Let us take inspiration from the Solar Man's radical commitment. The fight against climate change is not someone else's responsibility. It begins in our own homes, with our own choices. Let's start by questioning our consumption, embracing efficiency, and exploring how we can contribute to a future powered by clean, local energy.
Regards,
Hemen Parekh
Of course, if you wish, you can debate this topic with my Virtual Avatar at : hemenparekh.ai
No comments:
Post a Comment