Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (RD/MSP)
Pics: Hemanath Padubidri

Udupi, May 29: Dr TMA Pai and TA Pai memorial programme was inaugurated by retired state chief secretary Dr B R Prabhakar here on Thursday May 29.

The programme, organized jointly by Bharatiya Vikas Trust and Manipal Academy of General Education, was held at Mahatma Gandhi Memorial (MGM) College.

Dr Prabhakar in his inaugural address warned the people of the adverse consequences they are set to face if they do not use petroleum products judicially. 'We have to switch over to solar power wherever feasible, in order to reduce excessive dependence on conventional energy. The union government has proposed to set up super thermal power plants with a capacity to generate 4000 mega watts of energy in every state. At the prevailing trend of rising oil prices in global market, it is wiser to go for solar power that can be tapped efficiently for 10 months of the year,' he advocated. 

Manipal University pro vice-chancellor Dr S S Pabla, Tata BP Solar Ltd Bangalore general manager Anjan Ghosh, Kasargod Sri Padre and Manipal Syndicate Bank general manager I Parthasarathy put forth their ideas and supported the cause of optimum use of solar energy and rain water harvesting  by availing the financial assistance being extended by banks and government departments for this purpose.

Manipal Academy of General Education registrar K K Pai presided over the programme.

Bharatiya Vikas Trust managing trustee K M Udupa welcomed the gathering.  Manipal Academy of General Education administrative officer Dr H Shantaram was also present at the occasion.