Rajkot: Underscoring its commitment to nurturing self-reliance and local entrepreneurship, Marwadi University (MU) has announced the inauguration of ‘ENERGY SWARAJ ASHRAM,’ a first-of-its-kind solar incubation center in the Saurashtra region. Aiming to empower entrepreneurs and innovators operating in the sustainable, green energy sector, the center was inaugurated by Dr. Chetan Singh Solanki, popularly known as the ‘Solar Man of India’. His team is already responsible for reaching more than 6.5 million families and training more than 9,000 women to make solar lamps.
The Energy Swaraj Ashram will enable students to conduct advanced R&D, prototyping and analytics of the solar energy sector at the MU campus, providing a gateway for student’s entry into regional entrepreneurship. The move falls in line with MU’s vision of becoming a world-class engineering college recognized for excellence, innovation, and impact of its pursuits on society, aligned with the government’s vision of “Make in India for the World”. Interested candidates may initiate the process of application by contacting the MUIIR Centre at the university.
The inauguration also kick-started with an Industry-Academia meet titled ‘The Scope of Energy Business in Saurashtra Region.’ Various industry experts and representatives from various government bodies held a constructive and illuminating discussion with Dr. Solanki. In the subsequent knowledge-building session, he interacted with the university students, touching upon the latest developments in the sector, the world over and how the country’s sustainable energy ecosystem can be bolstered.
Speaking on the event, Shri Naresh Jadeja, Registrar, Marwadi University, commented,
“The concept of ‘Energy Swaraj’ comprises a significant step in the direction of reducing our carbon footprint as a society and handing down a healthier world to the next generation. We are extremely honoured to be able to initiate a”
Dr. Y P Kosta, Provost, Marwadi University, added, “It has been proved for centuries that energy is the driving force of growth. However, on account of rampant abuse of resources, energy derived from carbon-based fuel has also become a leading cause of the climate crisis. Against this backdrop, Dr. Solanki’s concept of ‘Energy Swaraj’ offers an optimal solution to the challenge at hand. Solar Ashrams in educational institutions will act as incubation centers to bolster research while enriching the local green energy ecosystem and supply chain. The idea is to create a rich network centered around solar energy to connect potential manufacturers who have the required technology with entrepreneurs and innovators looking to acquire quality and affordable resources.”
Lauding the efforts of Dr. Chetan Solanki, Shri Jeet Marwadi, Director, Marwadi University, said, “It has been a matter of great privilege to host Dr. Chetan Solanki on the MU campus. His work on solar energy is unparalleled, and the constructive as well as instructive discussions that we held with him proved yet again why he is called the ‘Solar Man of India.’”
“At MU, we have always focused on creating a dynamic synergy between theory and technical skills. In sync with this, we aim to establish the Marwadi University Innovation and Incubation Research (MUIIR) cell of Marwadi University as an enabling platform where the exchange of skills can lead to progress of both the academia and the industry, while empowering the young apprentices of Marwadi Education Foundation to drive tangible results” headded.