JALUKBARI, Nov 6 - �Sustainable development is possible in Assam by ensuring access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and renewable energy for citizens. There are many opportunities available for researchers, volunteers, social entrepreneurs to join the initiatives of energy access to achieve sustainable development and climate change. Such a goal needs community engagement, systematic persuasion and collaborations,� said Professor Pratap Jyoti Handique, Vice Chancellor, Gauhati University, while speaking at an international webinar on energy access and rural development organised on Thursday by GU�s NSS Cell in collaboration with the Centre for Participatory Action and Social Support (CPASS).
Prof Handique further discussed climate change mitigation measures with renewable energy resources and talked about the global and national scenario of the various energy resources and policies.
Dr Ranjan Kumar Kakaty, Director Students� Welfare Gauhati University, welcomed the participants and highlighted the relevance of the webinar in the context of rural development in Assam and discussed the pertinent issues related to renewable energy and role of National Scheme Service (NSS).
Dr Claudio Lutzky of George Mason University, Argentina made a detailed presentation on agriculture, energy and gender and talked about the importance of basics of inclusive energy agenda for sustainable development in the context of agriculture and rural development. He laid stress on the decentralised energy distribution system and plans of the energy access policy without discrimination.
Prof Manabendra Pathak of Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Patna gave a talk on renewable energy-based technologies for rural development of Assam. He mentioned the role of science and technology in sustainable development of mankind, especially in rural areas. He analysed the energy scenario of Assam and proposed innovative solutions through renewable energy intervention. He also explained the challenges in implementation of renewable technologies in rural areas, particularly in the north-eastern states.
In his presentation on energy access and its impact on women empowerment, Tridip Kumar Goswami, global head of Compliance C Quest Capital Washington DC, focused on the issue of averted disability-adjusted life years and reduction on premature deaths. He discussed how to avoid time spent gathering firewood and cooking over polluting open fires measured in hours saved for women and girls and building social capital through energy access.
Moderated by Dr Arup Jyoti Kalita, Director CPASS, the webinar witnessed participation by professors, research scholars, NSS volunteers, social workers, scientists and over two hundred college students from across the State.
