Hemanath Padubidri

Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi  - (SP)

Udupi, Sep 8: Dr Harish Hande, who has won the prestigious Magsaysay Award for the initiatives undertaken to spread solar power to rural places this year, expressed concern at the dwindling interest being evinced by people towards finding alternative energy sources. He was speaking on the subject of social entrepreneurship, stable energy and youth, under ‘leadership lecture series’ at Manipal on Wednesday September 7.

The programme was organized by T A Pai Management Institute at Chaitya Hall of Valley View Hotel Manipal.

“Influential people have been enjoying thermal-based power obtained by using coal at subsidised rates, by using poor people as shields,” he warned.

He also laid emphasis on the need to model the social entrepreneurship on the basis of the needs of the rural and poor people. He lamented the fact that classic products coming out of higher educational institutions which benefit from government subsidies and financial assistances, are not being utilized for serving the interests of the country or its development. He called upon the youth and graduates to seriously consider the problems plaguing the country. “We find glory at the fact that we are the second amongst the countries of the world which have been able to witness a growth of eight to nine percent annually. At the same time, it is ironical that there is no light in 45 percent of Indian homes even after 65 years of independence,” he said.

Hande also dwelt on the problems o pollution, and future challenges the country will face if alternate energy sources are not found and utilized. He felt that research and development on any model should be conducted by private sector with support of the government.

Manipal University pro chancellor, Dr H S Ballal, and Dr H Shantaram, were present. TAPMI acting director, Dr Vasudeva Rao, welcomed. Prof Choudhary Prasad introduced the guest.