Climate change is making headlines frequently with rising temperatures, melting glaciers, and extreme weather conditions. This is the reminder that we are living in the age of environmental reckoning. As Barack Obama said, “We are the first generation to feel the impact of climate change—and the last that can do something about it.” This responsibility demands awareness, urgency, and action—from individuals, communities, and nations alike.
While many speak about the urgency of climate change, few live it as fully as Prof. Dr. Chetan Solanki. Born in Madhya Pradesh, Dr. Solanki is an Indian solar scientist, author, educator, researcher, speaker, and certified Happiness Program teacher of the Art of Living. At IIT Bombay, he has led several impactful solar projects, including the National Centre for Photovoltaic Research and Education (NCPRE) and Solar Urja through Localization for Sustainability (SoULS), benefiting millions.
In response to the planet’s crisis, he left his professorship at IIT Bombay to live in a solar-powered bus, embarking on an 11-year journey across India called the Energy Swaraj Yatra. His mission? To make India aware of the power of solar energy and the need for mindful consumption. Through his Energy Swaraj Movement, he aims to mitigate climate change by improving energy access and promoting solar energy. Under the umbrella of the Energy Swaraj Foundation (ESF), he has launched several impactful, community-driven initiatives to promote sustainability and renewable energy.
His yatra began in November 2020, and he has pledged not to return home during the journey. Widely recognized as the “Solar Man of India,” Prof. Solanki is also a staunch follower of Gandhian ideology and often speaks about the philosophy of life. Inspired by Gandhi’s ideals, he came up with the term Energy Swaraj.
Prof. Solanki has been invited to speak at national and international platforms about his work. He has received numerous prestigious awards, including IEEE’s global grand prize, the Prime Minister’s Innovation Award for the SoULS project, the ONGC Solar Chulha Design Challenge, three Guinness World Records, two Young Scientist Awards, and many more. He has authored over 100 research papers and eight books.
Shared by: Vijayalaxmi Mishra
