A
two day national level training programme on 'Renewable Energy
for Media Persons' was organised by WISE from 23 to 24 March 2005,
at Hotel Le Meridien, Pune. For the first time ever, this kind
of a programme was held in the country. The main objective was
to expose the media to the right kind of information on renewable
energy technologies, policy related issues, etc. As information
providers, the media would require to play a pivotal role in disseminating
up-to-date and factually correct scientific information to the
people in a manner that would, besides generating awareness, create
an environment for the transition to a renewable energy economy.
Recognising the importance of such a positive initiative, the
Ministry of Non-conventional Energy Sources (MNES), New Delhi,
came forward to sponsor the training programme. About 40 journalists
and news persons from all over the country took part in the two
day event.
The
training programme was inaugurated by Padma Vibhushan Dr. Mohan
Dharia, President, Vanarai. Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Dharia
said that besides food and water security, the major priority
for the country today was energy security. Dr. Dharia urged for
a transition to a renewable energy economy. The founder Director
General of WISE, Mr. G.M. Pillai, in his welcome address, said
that there was a need for 'across the table' interaction with
the media for providing the right kind of information to them
on renewable energy, and hence the programme. He said that he
intends to offer such training to at least 300 media persons from
all over the country with the support of the MNES and this training
programme is the first step in that direction. The Director General
of MEDA, Mr. Anil Diggikar who was the Chairperson at the inaugural
function congratulated WISE in its efforts to promote renewable
energy. The eminent speakers at the programme included Dr. Pramod
Deo, Chairman, Maharashtra Electricity Regulatory Commission (MERC),
Mr. Praful Bidwai, eminent journalist, Dr. K. Vijay Mohanan, Senior
Scientist, National Chemical Laboratory (NCL), Pune, Dr Ajay Mathur,
President, SenergyGlobal, New Delhi, etc. The presentations focused
on the basics of renewable energy technologies, the need for energy
conservation and the vital role of renewable energy in leading
the country towards a sustainable future. A field visit to Suzlon
Energy's wind farm in Supa, Ahmednagar was also organised, which
proved to be an excellent learning experience for the participants,
helping them gain first-hand knowledge on the working of the wind
turbines.
The
training programme ended with the valedictory function chaired
by Dr. Pramod Deo, while the valedictory address was made by Mr.
Praful Bidwai. Mr D S Malik, Director (Information & Public
Awareness), MNES, while addressing the audience during the valedictory
function, expressed his satisfaction at the succinct coverage
of the entire gamut of topics on renewable energy in just two
days. He urged WISE to conduct more such programmes in different
parts of the country so as to reach a wider audience. The participants
too expressed similar views.
