More than 1500 students join solar cooking festival by Vivekanand Education Society

More than 1500 students join solar cooking festival

by Vivekanand Education Society

Mumbai, February 12: Nearly 1500 students today joined an innovative initiative to discover the benefits of solar energy as an alternative clean fuel, by cooking instant noodles under the sun rays.

The event, `surya mahakumbh’, was organised by Chembur-based Vivekanand Education Society (VES), which runs 26 educational institutions, in association with Keshav Srushti to make the students aware of the significance of clean energy. The students were given solar panels and taught how to assemble solar cookers before they cooked the noodles. 

Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) Chief Pahlaj Nihalani, hotelier Vithal Kamat, and Keshav Srushti chairperson Dr. Alka Mandke and VES president Mahesh Tejwani were present to encourage the students.

Speaking on the occasion Mr Tejwani said, “In India, we are moving towards solar source of energy for the preservance of our earth planet. This is a step in that direction. VES is encouraging young students to adapt to alternate sources of energy right from initial stage of their life.”

Dr Alka pointed out that the need of the hour was to think beyond classroom teachings, laboratory demonstrations or even field visits. “We need an army of leaders who can think different, innovate radically and embrace changes to build a sustainable and happy future. Mahasuryakumbh is our small attempt to educate people and to make our nation – energy self-reliant,” she added.

The solar cooker has been manufactured by environmental activist Vivek Kabra. It consists of an aluminum sheet that works as a reflector and a piece of foam held together by two clips. It must be kept at a specific angle to capture sun rays.

 “Suryakumbh is a festive gathering to celebrate the power of the sun and encourage children to be radical, dreamers and leaders in any field they choose” said Vivek, an alumnus of IIT Mumbai.

“The real success of such initiative is the impact it will have on the thought process of the young minds.  ‘Surya Mahakumbh’ the solar festival is an opportunity for experiencing the simplicity of harnessing solar energy, using ordinary materials and creating a festival out of it,” he said.