September 28, 2010
School of Engineering, Amritapuri
Prof. V. K. Damodaran, Director General of the International Non-Governmental Cooperation Organization for Renewable Energy (INGCORE), was at the Amritapuri campus recently to talk to students and faculty about Climate Change and Green Energy Practices.
Prof. Damodaran’s talk coincided with the Engineer’s Day celebrations on campus.
“For India’s growth rate to be sustained at 8-10%, we need 3-4 times the amount of energy we are currently using,” he emphasized. “Our country largely depends on coal; coal accounts for 53.3 % of our nation’s energy needs.”
“Now there are technologies that utilize renewable resources such as wind, solar energy, biomass and hydropower. These have already seen numerous large- and small-scale applications around the world.”
“We must make these available in rural areas where access to electricity is limited.”
Prof. Damodaran highlighted the need to bring about awareness so that people understand the urgency for the expanded use of clean and cost-effective technologies to provide essential services and reduce impact on the environment.
“Through effective e-governance, through the setting up of many community development centers, we can raise the level of awareness among people. We need to set up biogas plants and do many such other things.”
The talk focused also on general challenges faced due to climate change. Prof. Damodaran encouraged students to put forth their ideas to address these through their engineering talents.
“Our thrust must also be upon new modes of transport, using the available energy efficiently and focusing on ways to reduce our carbon foot prints,” he stated.
Prof. Damodaran’s talk touched upon the areas of Renewable Energy, Energy Conservation and Management, Use of Appropriate Technology and Sustainable Development.
“The talk was very informative,” stated Linkesh Diwan, a former student at Amrita, who attended. “The students and us graduates, really benefitted.”
Engineering students also put up an exhibition honoring notable engineers including Larry Page, Narayana Moorthy, Amar Bose, Amisha Patel and Mr. Bean. The posters reminded the student and faculty fraternity of the contributions made by these engineers.
Engineer’s Day is celebrated in all major organizations and institutions of engineers in India to commemorate the role of engineers in society.
More than a hundred years ago, Sri. Visvesvaraya was born on this day in the then princely state of Mysore. After graduating with a degree in civil engineering from the College of Engineering, Pune, he oversaw the construction of many engineering works all over the country.
He was one among India’s first engineers. He lived for a hundred and one years. Modern engineers honor him on Engineer’s Day every year. Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham also participates.
