Mysore/Mysuru: A special lecture on ‘5 point Understanding of Climate Change and Corrective Actions’ followed by demonstration of solar bus was organised by NSS Unit of School of Life Sciences, JSS AHER, Mysuru, under the Department of Science & Technology – Promotion of University Research and Scientific Excellence (PURSE) programme in city recently.

Prof. Chethan S. Solanki of IIT Mumbai and Founder of Energy Swaraj Foundation, inaugurated the event along with Dr. Prashant M. Vishwanath, Dean (Research), Dr. Raghavendra Amachawadi, Associate Professor, Kansas State University, Dr. K.A. Raveesha, Head, School of Life Sciences, Mysuru and Life Sciences Departments, Dr. S. Chandan, Deputy Dean (Research) and Dr. Raghu Ram Achar, NSS  Programme Officer.

Around 350 students including those from JSS High School, PU College, UG and PG Life Sciences students participated.

Prof. Solanki, who is known as the ‘Solar Man of India’, has pledged not to go to his home for 11 years and live in Solar Bus with his team to create awareness and propose solutions to fight Climate Change.

During his talk, Prof. Solanki explained the mission of his ‘Energy Swaraj Yatra’ and his aim to make each person of our country as Energy Literate through the es-pal.org portal. Training is provided through es-pal.org free of cost and includes the understanding of energy generation, its consumption, its use, misuse, and inefficient use, opportunities to conserve energy, and how to generate clean energy.

The talk offered a simple 5-point understanding on ‘What’ has changed in climate, ‘Why’ it has changed, ‘Who’ has changed it, ‘When’ to start corrective actions, and ‘What’ an individual and organisation can do locally to tackle this global problem.

Energy Swaraj Yatra’s activities align with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) number 7, 12 and 13. It helps individuals and institutions achieve 100% solar-powered life.

In the opening remarks, Dr. K.A. Raveesha, Head of School of Life Sciences, Mysuru and Life Sciences Departments, briefed about the initiatives taken up by the institute in making energy literate graduates.

Dr. Prashant M. Vishwanath, Dean (Research), in his presidential address, emphasised on the AMG (Avoid-Minimise-Generate) approach suggested by Prof. Solanki to be the mantra in tackling energy-related issues and having corrective measures to combat climate change.

Dr. S. Chandan, Deputy Dean (Research), introduced the chief guest. The event was compered by Dr. Ann Archer Catherine, Assistant Professor, Department of Microbiology. Dr. Raghu Ram Achar, NSS Programme Officer, proposed a vote of thanks.