Amrita extends its efforts beyond the campus through local community outreach programs focused on energy efficiency and clean energy education. These programs aim to raise awareness about the importance of reducing energy consumption and transitioning to renewable energy sources. By conducting workshops, training sessions, and practical demonstrations, Amrita empowers individuals and communities with the knowledge and tools to adopt sustainable practices.
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Amrita University hosted the Civil 20 India Working Group (WG) on Sustainable and Resilient Communities with a focus on Climate, Environment, and Net Zero Targets. Recognizing the unique challenges faced by rural India, the WG conducted compassion-driven chaupals in villages across the country from February to June 2023, in collaboration with NGOs, panchayat members, and village elders.
These chaupals, a traditional Indian village gathering format, were designed to resonate with the local culture and provide a relatable platform for discussions on energy sustainability. Villagers were trained and educated on essential topics like efficient energy usage, alternative energy sources, and the benefits of adopting sustainable energy practices. By addressing these issues from a rural Indian standpoint, the sessions emphasized cost-effective and locally implementable solutions such as solar-powered lighting, energy-efficient cooking methods, and reducing dependency on traditional fuels.
The involvement of panchayat leaders and elders ensured the sessions were rooted in the community’s social fabric, fostering trust and active participation. These efforts not only created awareness but also inspired action among villagers, empowering them to take small yet impactful steps toward energy sustainability and self-reliance.
Amrita University actively collaborates with local communities surrounding its campuses to promote energy efficiency as a cornerstone of sustainability and resilience. Through a range of training and awareness programs, the university equips community members with practical knowledge and tools to adopt energy-efficient practices in their daily lives.
Several programs were conducted in the villages surrounding Ettimada in Tamil Nadu, Amritapuri in Kerala, Vengal, Chennai, Bogadi, Mysore, Kochi, Kerala, Faridabad etc.
Workshops and interactive sessions were conducted in local languages to ensure accessibility, focus on topics such as reducing energy consumption, utilizing energy-efficient appliances, clean energy and exploring renewable energy solutions like solar power. These initiatives are designed to address the unique needs and challenges of the local population, making sustainable practices relatable and actionable.
Amrita also extends its efforts to nearby schools, conducting awareness campaigns to educate students about the importance of energy efficiency. By fostering understanding and engagement among younger generations, the university helps build a culture of sustainability that benefits both current and future communities. The university also partners with local organizations and government bodies to implement clean energy solutions in underserved areas, fostering inclusive development and environmental stewardship.
Amrita conducted an Energy Conservation Week from November 27th – November 30th, 2023 with the National Service Scheme in the Coimbatore campus and nearby communities. Drawing competitions were held for students from local communities on November 27, 2023. The competition was divided into two categories: one for students aged 5-10 years and another for those aged 11-17 years. In a harmonious convergence of talents and passion, students across diverse departments of Amrita University united in a lively and energetic flashmob, to promote awareness of energy sustainability.
Amrita Technology Enabling Center (Amrita TEC) has initiated an outreach program in collaboration with Tranquility IoT & Bigdata Solutions to revolutionize energy monitoring and management using cutting-edge IoT technology. This partnership aims to develop and deploy innovative IoT-based energy monitoring and management devices to enhance efficiency, sustainability, and real-time control of energy systems.
The program focuses on addressing critical challenges in energy utilization, including reducing energy waste, optimizing consumption, and enabling predictive maintenance. By leveraging IoT and Big Data, the solutions will provide comprehensive insights into energy usage patterns across residential, commercial, and industrial sectors.
Together, the program plans to deploy pilot projects, conduct training workshops, and engage with stakeholders to drive awareness and adoption of these energy-efficient technologies. This collaboration underscores the growing importance of IoT in achieving energy sustainability.
Amrita Technology Enabling Center (TEC) recently launched an energy-efficient induction heating solution tailored for the manufacturing needs of agricultural implements during the Vendor Development Program (VDP) 2023 held in Thrissur, Kerala, India. The event served as a platform to introduce this innovative technology aimed at enhancing productivity and sustainability within the agricultural implements manufacturing cluster.
This energy-efficient induction heating system is expected to reduce energy consumption, improve heating precision, and contribute to the eco-friendliness of manufacturing processes. The initiative underscores Amrita TEC’s commitment to fostering innovation and enabling technology adoption across industries, particularly in sectors crucial for rural and agricultural development.
Amrita Technology Enabling Center (TEC) recently engaged with officials from the Tamil Nadu Rural Transformation Projects (TNRTP) to explore the deployment of solar dryers for waste-to-wealth initiatives focusing on the utilization of water hyacinth.
The project aims to address the dual challenges of environmental degradation and rural economic development by converting water hyacinth—a highly invasive aquatic weed—into valuable products. Solar drying technology will play a crucial role in this process, offering an energy-efficient and sustainable solution for drying the processed material.
This initiative highlights Amrita TEC’s commitment to fostering eco-friendly technologies that support rural livelihoods and align with TNRTP’s goals of driving transformation in rural communities through innovative and sustainable practices.
The Civil 20 India Working Group on Sustainable Resilient Communities – Climate, Environment and Net Zero Targets, hosted by Amrita has signed Memorandum of Understanding with Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) to advance initiatives in energy sustainability. This partnership underscores a collective commitment to fostering sustainable energy solutions and enhancing community resilience in the face of global energy challenges.
In an event held at Sikkim, India, from April 29-30, the working group in collaboration with Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham and UNESCO Chair on Experiential Learning for Sustainable Innovation and Development, signed MoU’s with the following CSO’s:
Here is the information presented in a table format:
| Organization | Focus Area |
| CAN South Asia (CANSA) | Climate and energy advocacy across South Asia |
| Vasudha Foundation | Ssustainable energy, energy policy, and climate solutions. |
| Energy Swaraj Foundation | Solar energy adoption and decentralized energy systems. |
| Agrani Bharat Abhiyan | Renewable energy projects and sustainable development. |
| Gram Vikas | Rural development with energy components. |
| WOTR (Watershed Organisation Trust) | Sustainability focus, including water-energy nexus. |
Energy sustainability is at the heart of global development goals, focusing on transitioning to renewable energy sources, promoting energy efficiency, and ensuring equitable energy access. By working with CSOs, the C20 Working Group aims to amplify grassroots-level impact, empowering communities to adopt cleaner and more efficient energy technologies.
The collaboration will prioritize the integration of renewable energy systems such as solar and wind power, encourage the use of energy-efficient appliances, and support innovative projects that transform waste into energy resources. These efforts align with the broader objectives of reducing carbon emissions and mitigating the adverse effects of climate change.
Through this partnership, the C20 Working Group and CSOs aim to create scalable, community-driven energy solutions that can serve as models for sustainable development worldwide. By fostering innovation and collaboration, the initiative seeks to build resilient communities equipped to thrive in a sustainable energy future.
Solar Clock gifted to SDMA, Sikkim for Energy Sustainability
In a significant move towards promoting energy sustainability, renowned energy expert and Solar Man of India, Chetan Singh Solanki presented a Solar Clock to the Sikkim State Disaster Management Authority (SSDMA). This initiative is aimed at raising awareness about the importance of renewable energy and solar solutions in meeting the region’s energy demands while encouraging sustainable practices.
The gifting ceremony took place during the C20 event in Sikkim, organized by Amrita in collaboration with SSDMA. The Solar Clock, a distinctive timepiece powered by solar energy, symbolizes the shift toward clean, renewable power sources. Beyond its practical function, this gift serves as a reminder of the urgent need to embrace energy solutions that reduce reliance on non-renewable resources.
For the SSDMA, the clock will stand as a visual symbol of the state’s commitment to building disaster-resilient communities. This gesture is part of Sikkim’s broader efforts to tackle climate change and promote energy sustainability, aligning with the region’s goal of creating sustainable, eco-friendly solutions for the future.
Last Updated: August 1, 2022
Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham recognizes the critical role that education and awareness play in promoting energy efficiency and clean energy adoption. To empower local communities, the university’s students have undertaken impactful programs to educate villagers about the importance of energy efficiency and clean energy. These initiatives aim to create awareness, foster behavioral changes, and empower individuals to take active steps towards a sustainable and greener future.
Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham’s students actively engage with rural communities, conducting awareness campaigns and workshops to educate villagers about the significance of energy efficiency and clean energy. Through interactive sessions and demonstrations, they showcase the benefits of adopting energy-saving practices and renewable energy sources, emphasizing the positive impact on the environment and the community’s well-being.
The university’s students organize community workshops in villages to share knowledge and practical techniques for energy efficiency. These workshops cover a range of topics, including energy conservation, sustainable cooking practices, efficient lighting solutions, and the use of renewable energy technologies such as solar panels and biogas plants. By providing hands-on experiences and training, the workshops empower community members to implement energy-saving measures in their daily lives.
Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham’s students implement demonstration projects within villages to showcase the benefits and feasibility of clean energy solutions. These projects include setting up solar-powered streetlights, installing energy-efficient appliances in community centers, and implementing biogas plants for cooking and waste management. The students actively involve villagers in these projects, enabling them to witness firsthand the positive impact of clean energy technologies on their lives.
Recognizing the importance of skill development, the university’s students provide training programs to local community members, equipping them with the knowledge and skills required to adopt and maintain energy-efficient practices. These programs cover areas such as solar panel installation, biogas plant operation, and energy auditing techniques. By imparting these skills, the students empower individuals to become change agents within their communities and contribute to sustainable development.
Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham’s students actively collaborate with local government bodies, non-profit organizations, and industry partners to leverage resources and expertise in their community programs. By forging these partnerships, they enhance the impact and reach of their initiatives, ensuring a comprehensive approach to energy efficiency and clean energy adoption in villages.
To assess the effectiveness of their programs, the students regularly monitor and evaluate the outcomes and impact of their initiatives. They collect data on energy consumption patterns, behavior change, and community feedback. This information enables them to refine their approach and develop targeted strategies for sustainable energy practices.
Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham’s students are at the forefront of empowering local communities in villages to embrace energy efficiency and clean energy. Through awareness campaigns, workshops, demonstration projects, skill development, and partnerships, they inspire individuals to adopt sustainable practices and contribute to a greener future. By nurturing a culture of sustainable energy, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham’s students are creating a positive and lasting impact on the lives of villagers and the environment as a whole.
