The mango that broke a market
It is peak mango season in India. The Alphonso harvest is at its richest, the Kesar at its most fragrant.
Solar energy should not remain confined to the rooftops of the privileged but should illuminate the homes of the poorest and open new opportunities for every person seeking a livelihood, President Droupadi Murmu said on Tuesday.
“Solar energy is a rediscovery of an ancient truth—that the Sun is the most democratic source of energy, accessible to all and belonging to none,” she said while inaugurating the opening plenary of the Eighth Session of the International Solar Alliance Assembly (ISA) being hosted by India from October 27-30 October.
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A total of 125 member countries are participating in the assembly.
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Launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the then French President Francois Hollande on November 30, 2015 on the sidelines of the 21st Conference of Parties (COP21) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) held in Paris, the ISA was conceived as a joint effort to mobilise efforts against climate change by deploying solar energy solutions.
The President said the ISA stands as a symbol of humanity’s shared aspiration—to harness solar energy as a source of inclusion, dignity and collective prosperity. She said climate change is affecting the entire world. Urgent and concrete steps need to be taken to deal with this threat.
India is committed to combating climate change and is taking determined steps. She highlighted that ISA represents a significant step towards addressing this global challenge by encouraging the adoption and use of solar energy.
The President said the idea of inclusion defines India’s development journey. Our experience in illuminating homes in the remotest areas, confirms our belief that energy equity is the foundation of social equity.
Access to affordable and clean energy empowers communities, drives the local economy, and opens up opportunities that extend well beyond the provision of electricity.
She said that solar energy is not merely about power generation but also about empowerment and inclusive development.
The President urged all Member Countries to think beyond infrastructure and focus on the lives of the people. She said that this Assembly should develop a collective action plan that links solar energy with job creation, women’s leadership, rural livelihoods, and digital inclusion.
“Our progress should not only be measured through megawatts but through the number of lives illuminated, the number of families strengthened, and the number of communities transformed,” she stressed.
At the same time, President Murmu felt the focus should also be on technology development and on sharing latest and advanced technologies with all for maximum benefit. She emphasised that as large-scale solar installations are expanded, it should be ensured that the ecological balance of the region is preserved.
“After all, environmental conservation for the future is the very reason we are turning to green energy,” she added.
The President said we should work with more dedication not only for our own countries but for the entire world and not only for the present generation but for the future generations.
She expressed confidence that the deliberations and decisions of this Assembly will act as a milestone in the production of solar energy which will contribute in building an inclusive and equitable world.
Speaking on the occasion, Union Minister for New and Renewable Energy, Pralhad Joshi, who is also the ISA Assembly President, said today’s assembly marks the shift from decision making to action. Stating that a number of initiatives were being taken, the minister said, “ISA will democratize the solar partnership.”
He said India today stands at the forefront, not just as a participant but a leader in the global energy transition. “India has now the world’s fourth largest RE (renewable energy) capacity.” He said India has demonstrated that clean energy is not just a growth story.
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