Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world - Nelson Mandela. These words by Nelson Mandela resonate strongly in the context of Harish Hande's remarkable journey. In a world where access to electricity remains a luxury for many, Hande's relentless pursuit of sustainable energy solutions has brought light, hope, and economic opportunities to thousands of underserved individuals in rural India. From designing mobile-learning centres to harnessing the power of solar energy, Hande's transformative work with SELCO India and SELCO Foundation has revolutionized the lives of rural communities.
In the early 1990s, Dr. Harish Hande, an alumnus of IIT Kharagpur, embarked on a journey of exploration and learning, driven by his fascination for renewable energy and how it could make a positive difference in people's lives. While working on his doctorate, he travelled to the Caribbean nation and saw how Richard Hansen, an American engineer who shifted there had used solar energy to provide electricity to thousands of poor Dominicans. Around the same time, Hande's path crossed with that of Neville Williams, a renowned journalist and advocate for renewable energy, during his studies at Massachusetts. Williams' dedication to championing sustainable solutions further ignited Hande's determination to make a difference in his own community.
In 1994, Hande founded SELCO India to provide solar lighting to the rural parts of India. However, convincing people of the benefits of this technology was not easy. One particular incident stands out—the story of his first customer, Arvind Rai. One day, when Rai was away, Hande installed a solar lighting system in the house with the support of the farmer's mother. He did not take any payment and simply wanted the family to try out the system, which powered four lights. When Hande returned a week later, Rai warmly welcomed him and settled the entire bill, marking the beginning of Hande's transformative impact. From this humble beginning, SELCO has since sold around 2,000,000 solar systems, demonstrating the willingness of rural communities to invest in affordable and sustainable technology.
SELCO's innovative approach enabled significant positive impacts on rural livelihoods. Among its notable accomplishments was the development of a solar-powered fan blower, specifically designed to assist blacksmiths in their metalworking processes. By replacing manual labour and expensive diesel-powered blowers, this innovation increased productivity and economic opportunities for blacksmiths, promoting economic growth at the grassroots level.
Another notable initiative is the design of a solar-powered bus by SELCO India. This innovative mobile-learning centre travels from village to village, bringing basic computer education to children in remote areas. The collaboration between SELCO India and another organisation has resulted in the creation of this unique educational platform. The solar-powered bus showcases the power of renewable energy in bridging the digital divide and empowering children with essential computer skills.
In recognition of the efforts in bridging the energy access gap, SELCO has been awarded the prestigious Ashden Awards (also known as the Green Oscars) twice, in the years 2005 and 2007.
ESTABLISHING SELCO FOUNDATION
Driven by a strong dedication to inclusive sustainable development, where the poor are treated as partners and experts rather than mere beneficiaries, Harish Hande made another move in 2008 by founding SELCO Foundation as a sister organization to SELCO India. He aimed to create an ecosystem that nurtures flourishing enterprises and strengthens renewable energy initiatives. He believed that by providing communities with access to clean and affordable energy, they could transcend the boundaries imposed by poverty and achieve their full potential.
Empowering Education
One notable initiative of the SELCO Foundation is the Light for Education program which provides portable solar lamps and batteries to students in rural areas. The program ensured that students attended school regularly, as they could use the lamps for studying at home even in the absence of electricity.
Through the program, each student receives a portable lamp and a battery by paying a one-time deposit of ₹200. The lamp is kept at home, while the battery is taken to school, where solar-powered charging stations are available. This initiative, inspired by the mid-day meal scheme, aims to ensure that students attend school regularly to have access to light at home later in the day. The battery has a maximum lifespan of two days. As a result, children are motivated to attend school every other day to recharge their batteries. This system not only guarantees consistent access to light but has also led to improved attendance and academic performance.
The foundation also initiated a programme called the e-Shala project, specifically designed to enhance the learning experience of students in government schools in Karnataka. The e-Shala project aimed to supplement classroom teaching and complete the curriculum by incorporating e-content that reflected elements of the school curriculum. Initiated by the Menda Foundation and supported by local funders, the project integrated solar energy in recipient schools for uninterrupted access to e-content. The project serves as a medium for positive change, bridging the gap in access to education and nurturing young learners with equal opportunities.
As part of the project, unique projectors have been installed in some schools. These projectors are equipped with an Android mini-computer, speakers, a power supply panel, and a remote mouse. What sets them apart is their energy efficiency. While a typical LED projector consumes around 250 watts of power, these projectors consume only 25 watts, significantly reducing energy consumption.
SELCO also addresses gender equality by involving women's groups in marketing and distributing solar products. Additionally, their initiatives contribute to decent work and economic growth, allowing rural households to dedicate more time to income-generating activities and improving their livelihoods.
Solar-Powered Healthcare Centres
SELCO Foundation’s impact extended beyond energy access. The foundation played a crucial role in the healthcare system and collaborated with organizations such as the Karuna Trust to transform healthcare centres into fully solar-powered facilities.
Located 27 km away from BR Hills, in Gumbahalli village of Chamrajnagar district, lies the first Primary Health Centre (PHC) in South India accredited by the National Accreditation Board for Hospitals and Healthcare. The collaboration between the Karuna Trust and Selco Foundation has transformed the Gumbahalli PHC into a fully solar-powered centre. Previously, the PHC faced the challenge of unreliable electricity, especially during critical procedures like cataract surgeries and childbirth. With solar power, the PHC has overcome these hurdles.
Earlier, the nurses had to hold a torch in their mouth during deliveries when the centre was short-staffed. Now, with a reliable source of electricity, such difficulties are a thing of the past. Over the years, the number of patients has increased, and electricity bills have significantly reduced. Modern medical equipment, such as baby warmers and refrigerators for vaccines, can now be used without the fear of damage caused by voltage fluctuations.
Innovations in Agriculture
Selco's commitment to empowering rural communities extends to agriculture—the backbone of rural India. Through innovative solutions like portable solar water pumps, headlamps, paddy thrashers, and processing mills, Selco has improved agricultural efficiency and enhanced the livelihoods of farmers in remote locations. These solar-powered inventions have increased productivity, raised incomes, and reduced the hardships faced by farmers.
One such success story is in Kariammanagar, Savdatti taluk, where a man named Patrappa Mahadevappa adopted Selco's initiative to set up a solar-powered flour mill. This sustainable solution not only saves the community members from a 10-km journey to the nearest mill but also allows Patrappa to serve around 25 customers per day, earning a steady income of ₹400. Hande emphasizes that sustainable solutions must consider the social, financial, and technical aspects to have a lasting impact.
However, Hande expressed frustration over the lack of investment for rural entrepreneurs sustaining these innovative solutions. To address this challenge, he established an investment fund exclusively for rural entrepreneurs who struggled to secure private funding or lacked the language skills to effectively present their ideas. By combining microcredit and pay-as-you-go systems, the foundation enabled these communities to afford clean energy solutions while improving their livelihoods and reducing their conventional, environmentally harmful energy sources.
In 2011, Harish Hande's remarkable contributions to the renewable energy sector were recognized when he was awarded the prestigious Ramon Magsaysay Award. SELCO's lighting installations have powered over 125,000 houses and 4,000 institutions, making a significant impact on rural communities. The SELCO Solar Energy Access Project has not only reduced carbon emissions but also enhanced quality education, gender equality, and economic growth.
Hande's journey exemplifies the power of inspiration and the impact that individuals can have when they combine their knowledge, passion, and unwavering commitment to a cause. His encounters with pioneers in the field of renewable energy and his first-hand experiences witnessing the transformative power of solar energy in the Dominican Republic shaped his mission and propelled him forward.
Today, Harish Hande's legacy stands as a testament to the transformative potential of renewable energy. Through SELCO India and SELCO Foundation, he has empowered countless lives, bringing light, opportunity, and hope to communities that were once in the shadows. His journey serves as an inspiration for others to believe in the power of their own ideas and take action to create a brighter, more sustainable future for all.
Meghna is a highly motivated and experienced freelance content creator with a Master's degree in History and ongoing studies in International Relations from Amity University, Noida. Her commitment lies in making valuable contributions to discussions surrounding climate change and other challenging social concerns. With a strong background in research and writing, Meghna is adept at conducting research, synthesizing information, and creating compelling content that informs, educates, and engages her readers. She has contributed to several academic journals in the past, and her writing reflects a deep understanding of complex social problems and their potential solutions. Meghna's expertise in writing and research, combined with her strong work ethic and attention to detail, make her an asset to any organization or individual looking to create high-quality content that resonates with their target audience. In summary, Meghna is a talented and committed freelance content creator who bring
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