The country should be dependent exclusively on renewable energy sources by 2047.
This was the hope expressed by P.K. Maity, joint director, Central Power Research Institute (CPRI), an autonomous body under the ministry of power, which organised an event in our school, Kendriya Vidyalaya 1, Salt Lake. In attendance were dignitaries from CPRI and West Bengal State Electricity Distribution Company Limited (WBSEDCL), students of Class IX, teachers and a few guardians.
Maity said the occasion we had gathered for was Bijli Utsav, a joint initiative of the ministries of power and renewable energy, and was a part of the celebration of 75 years of Independence of India.
From his speech, we learnt how much progress India had made in providing electricity to even remote areas. He also highlighted how coal, the non-renewable source of energy which we are using currently, is depleting fast and we need to switch to renewable sources, like wind and solar energy.
The guests were welcomed on stage with the song Ye kaliyaan jo mehke, presented in chorus, led by Mohona Barua of Class IX.
In his address, our principal S. Karan, stressed on the judicious use of energy as India is one of the largest consumers of energy in the world due to its vast population.
Surajit Chatterjee, chief engineer, WBSEDL, was the chief guest. The goal of the government for 2022, he said, was to generate 175 GW of renewable energy capacity, which includes 100 GW from solar, 60 GW from wind, 10 GW from bio-power and 5 GW from small hydro-power.
A drawing contest was conducted for classes VI to VIII. The winners, all from Class VII — Bishal Bharati (first), Nehal Tatiya (second), Barnita Das (third), Biraj Singh and Rajannya Das (both consolation prizes) — received a trophy each from Maity.
A cultural programme followed, hosted by Upasana and Arpan Das of Class XII. Bismita Bose and students from classes VI to VIII danced to the Bihu song Faguner mohonay. Students of Class XII then staged a nukkad natak which gave us a message to save electricity. Chirag Tiwary of Class XII spoke in Hindi on the benefits of renewable sources of energy and how we can adopt them. The day’s last performance was a dance by Pratishtha Karmakar and students of classes IX to XII to the Odiya folk song Rongoboti.
The author is a student of Kendriya Vidyalaya 1