The International Solar Alliance (ISA) is an alliance of more than 120 signatory countries, most being sunshine countries, which lie either completely or partly between the Tropic of Cancer and the Tropic of Capricorn. The primary objective of the alliance is to work for the efficient consumption of solar energy to reduce dependence on fossil fuels. This initiative was first proposed by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in a speech in November 2015 at Wembley Stadium in which he referred to sunshine countries as Suryaputra (“Sons of the Sun”). The alliance is a treaty-based inter-governmental organization. Countries that do not fall within the Tropics can join the alliance and enjoy all benefits as other members, with the exception of voting rights. The ISA is headquartered in Haryana, India. In January 2016, Narendra Modi, and the then French President François Hollande jointly laid the foundation stone of the ISA Headquarters and inaugurated the interim Secretariat at the National Institute of Solar Energy (NISE) in Gwal Pahari, Gurugram, India. The International Solar Festival, recently hosted by the International Solar Alliance at Bharat Mandapam, Delhi, 5-6 September 2024. It will catalyse global solar adoption by forging partnerships, unlocking innovative financing, deploying cutting-edge technology, and boosting capacity in ISA member countries. Aligning businesses, policymakers, and financial institutions, it will serve as a launchpad for transformative collaborations that fast-track the world’s transition to a future powered by affordable, reliable, and sustainable solar energy. The Private Sector Pavilion was inaugurated by Shri Prahlad Joshi, Hon’ble Minister of New and Renewable Energy, Government of India, and the ISA Ministerial Delegation. It had around 34 stalls hosted by TERI, IIT Delhi, few companies like Avaada, CEEW etc. The main attraction was the tractor run on Solar Energy, Sundial and Solar Cooker. Large Puppets of African and Indian ethnicities were also roaming in the pavilion, amazing everyone. Their were lots of amazing dance performances of different regions like Indonesia, Africa etc. also along with stand-up comedy act by Aakash Gupta. At the leadership panel, ‘India’s enhanced role in North-South partnership on faster solar energy transition’, Mr VK Dewangan, Managing Director and Chairman, REC Limited, highlighted the barriers overcome by the agency to promote installation of rooftop solar panels including conducting massive awareness campaigns among consumers to make solar the preferred source of energy. REC Limited has also embarked on a large-scale training exercise to equip workers with the requisite skills necessary to ensure installation of solar panels. At the evening, there was a mesmerizing performance by A.R. Rehman, Mohit Chauhan, Rakshita Suresh and other singers on first day. Next day, Sri Lankan Singer Yohani performed in the evening. For more such Festival updates, stay tuned to Ecodastkaari.com.
Celebrate this Diwali with Green Gifts
This Diwali, I saw a lot of Reels depicting Sohn Papdi as the common and repeated Diwali Gift but Gifting options for Diwali can be both eco-friendly and sustainable. Here are some Green gifting ideas for Diwali: Plants: Gift potted plants or saplings. They not only add greenery but also contribute to air purification. You can choose plants like money plant, snake plant, or Aromatic Plants such as Raat ki Rani or Harshingar that are easy to care for. You can explore more plants to buy on greendecor.inhttps://www.greendecor.in/ 2.Organic Products: You can opt for organic food items such as organic teas, chocolates, or snacks such as Ragi laddoo and Mixed grain or Millet snacks. Consider organic skincare or bath products made from natural ingredients like Neem, Rose or Turmeric. You can explore more products @ Khaadi Store. 3.Reusable Items: Give reusable shopping bags, stainless steel water bottles, Cups or bamboo cutlery sets to your Guests, this Diwali. You can buy such stuff @ https://www.ecosoulhome.com/ Beeswax wraps or reusable food storage containers are also sustainable choices is also a good green option. 4.Handmade Products: Support local artisans by gifting handmade items like pottery, handwoven textiles or recycled paper products or paper mache products. You can explore more such products @ https://ecodastkaari.in. 5.Solar-Powered Gadgets: You can Consider solar-powered gadgets like solar lanterns, heaters, chargers, or garden lights. You should install solar heaters and solar panels at your Rooftops this Diwali and minimize your electricity bills. 6.Upcycled Gifts: Look for gifts made from upcycled materials, such as upcycled glassware, furniture, or accessories. You can explore more such products @Gigantiques. The most popular ones are tyre chairs and tables. Terracotta Diyas: Choose Diyas made from Terracotta instead of plastic ones. These can be reused and are biodegradable and look very beautiful also during Diwali decoration. It will help local artisans also. 8.Subscription to Eco-friendly Services: Gift a subscription to a service that promotes eco-friendly living, such as a zero-waste subscription box or a sustainable clothing rental service. 9.DIY Kits: Provide DIY kits for making eco-friendly products like homemade candles, natural soaps, or reusable cloth bags. 10.Digital Gifts: Consider digital gifts like e-books, online courses, or subscriptions to streaming services such as Amazon or Netflix, reducing the need for physical products. Remember, the key is to choose gifts that are thoughtful, sustainable, and contribute positively to the environment and give less burden to landfills. Have a Happier and Greener Diwali next year.