UDHAMPUR: Udhampur Campus of the University of Jammu in collaboration with the Green India Initiative Pvt. Ltd. (GIIPL), Mumbai, Maharashtra organised a One-Day event for the distribution of Solar Study Lamps to the rural students of the Govt Schools located in the vicinity of the Udhampur campus, today.

On the occasion, Sachin Yashwant Shigwan - THE SOLAR MAN OF INDIA, Director- Green India Initiative Private Ltd. (GIIPL), a for-profit social enterprise that has developed expertise in rural electrification through renewable energy projects since 2014, was the chief Entrepreneur who enlightened the young schools children with his vision and mission of lighting up more than 1000 villages by 2025 in India.

As many as 100 solar study lamps procured from the donor organisations namely EY- GDS and Goodera were distributed to the students from village Garnai who participated in the programme.

Shigwan elaborated on the significance of solar lights and explained how this renewable alternative to kerosene lamps would help the students during the power shortage, thereby reducing dependence on fossil fuels and creating a pure and healthy environment. He spoke to the young, enthusiastic students in the picturesque and beautiful surroundings of the Udhampur campus.

The creative green speaker from Maharashtra added, "You all are going to be our young Solar Ambassadors who would be spreading the message of clean, healthy, and self-reliant India." He continued by saying that such efforts would be a step towards the students' little projects to learn and comprehend the theory behind solar energy lights and the local assembly of solar lamps as young entrepreneurs.

He went into detail on how solar energy is a viable option for large-scale social and commercial endeavours as well as educational institutions.

Addressing the gathering of young students, the Rector, Udhampur Campus, Prof. Yash Pal Sharma extended a warm-hearted welcome to Sachin and his team comprising of Er. Mohit Vaidya and Mayur Pawar- Admin Head of Green India Initiative Pvt. Ltd. (GIIPL) for this wonderful gift to the needy children.

He also thanked his predecessor Prof Parikshit Singh Manhas for reaching out to GIPIL to organise this programme at the Udhampur Campus.

"The infrastructure in India's rural areas, where more than 70% of the population lives, needs to be strengthened", said Prof. Sharma, who also explained that switching to renewable energy sources like solar energy could be a game-changer for rural development. India is currently the fifth-largest developing economy.

He also discussed how the solar study lamps will benefit the village of Garnai-rural Udhampur's kids and improve their overall academic performance both at home and schools.

Prof. Sharma continued by thanking Green India Initiative PVT LTD for maintaining their pledge to provide 100 solar lamps to improve the lives of children in the communities. He added that the Campus is eager to work on further projects for the benefit of the underprivileged people in rural Jammu and Kashmir under the inspirational leadership and direction of Prof. Umesh Rai, renowned Vice-Chancellor, University of Jammu.

Earlier, Dr. Mamta Sharma, Lecturer, Department of Commerce, Udhampur Campus, University of Jammu extended a formal welcome to the guests while Dr. Shilpa Gupta proposed a formal vote of thanks Taruna Dubey, Dr. Kamani Dutta, Dr. Ritika Sambyal, Nikhil Khajuria, Dr. Sunita Kumari, Dr. Jyotshna and Jatinder Kour, Amit Sharma, Anil, Kulbir, Staff members and the student volunteers.