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A journey to the Jimmy McGilligan Centre for Sustainable Development. How M.Tech students from TERI found real-world applications for renewable energy?

We Choose How We Live

TERI Students Turn to the Sun in Indore

By Tina Khatri | April 3, 2026

“We don’t have a choice of how we die, but we have a choice in how we live.”

— Padma Shri Janak Palta McGilligan

Welcoming a group of M.Tech students from the TERI School of Advanced Studies to the Jimmy McGilligan Centre for Sustainable Development in Indore, Dr. Janak Palta McGilligan urged the next generation of engineers to move beyond theory. Her message was clear: sustainability begins with individual responsibility and everyday choices.

The sun provides more energy than we need. The question is whether we choose to use it.

Giridarshan: A Living Laboratory

Operating from her residence, Giridarshan, in Sanawadiya village, McGilligan has transformed her home into a working model of resource-efficient living. Students observed first-hand the application of:

  • Scheffler Dishes: Measuring 2.7 metres, these parabolic systems are used for solar cooking.
  • Hybrid Systems: A 2 kW renewable energy system providing clean power.
  • Water Conservation: Techniques that sustain organic farming and household needs.
  • Natural Pharmacy: The use of Reetha and Giloy for medicinal and household products.

"The visit helped connect classroom concepts with real-world application."

— M.Tech Student, TERI SAS

"It prompted a reconsideration of personal habits... sustainability is lived."

— Participant Reflection

Livelihoods & Women Empowerment

Beyond the technical specs, the centre is a hub for social change. It has trained over 186,000 individuals, including 6,000 tribal women, in clean energy use and livelihood skills. By reducing indoor air pollution and creating income through solar-produced jams and herbal products, the centre links environmental practice with economic survival.

"It is not about large changes at once, but about consistent small actions."

As the sun dipped over Sanawadiya, the students left with more than just credits—they left with a blueprint for how to live. For them, the message was unmistakable: Sustainability is not just a subject to be studied; it is a life to be chosen.

TINA KHATRI BLOG | INDORE

#SustainableLiving #SolarEnergy #IndoreNews #TERISAS #GreenLivelihoods

© 2026 tinakhatri.blogspot.com

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