A Fantastic New Project in India

Stadia are places that consume a lot of energy - the lighting, the large television screens and the people, their refreshments that must be transported in etc all add to the amount of energy used and the costs. But they do serve a very important social purpose - sports bring people from different nations together and promote friendship between nations (including those that might be politically hostile to each other) and they also promote a positive sense of identity between the citizens of a nation, supporters of a particular team and more. By extension, sports keep people who may not otherwise be inspired to exercise to participate in games at their own personal level, encouraging people to become fitter by getting them off their couches and outdoors from inside their homes to breathe in fresh air. All very laudable, and worthy of support.

So when a piece of news like this comes to us via Inhabitat, a leading blog on environment friendly architecture, there is a reason for all Indians to feel proud. I am not sure if this Solar Powered Piezo-Electric stadium is the first of its kind in the world, but, if, indeed it is, then India is to be hailed for a world first. Even if it is not, it is something to be proud of because, in a sports crazy country like India where energy costs are high and where most parts of the country receive more than 300 days of sunshine in a year, this is an example that will be replicated. A fantastic beginning to say the least and one that I hope will also be replicated across the region in Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka etc where sports are as big a draw.

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Excellent News from India - A Big Thumbs Up for these Barefoot Solar Engineers

I am grateful to Dr Mayraj Fahim for http://www.inhabitat.com/2009/11/09/indias-barefoot-solar-engineers-are-building-a-brighter-future/#this link from Inhabitat, a blog that I love following.# Orissa is among one of India's poorest states and Kalahandi used to be among its poorest regions some time ago. The thrust to provide solar powered lighting to this beautiful but impoverished state is especially welcome. The dedication of the "barefoot engineers" who have chosen to go into the villages and train people in using solar lighting is also something to be commended. This is an example of Indian progress in one region of the country that needs to be made available to other states that may contemplate similar, or, as is often the case in India, conventional (and destructive and expensive) solutions instead.

Let's hope for the best and look for more good news like this in the future!