Solar support from Madhu

Tathya.in, April 27, 2010


Bhubaneswar:27/April/2010

She is known for her love for tribal.

And the top diplomat has made it a point to come to the rescue of hapless.

Now she is out to help out the tribal students studying in various Tribal Schools.

Meet the ever smiling former Ambassador Madhu Bhaduri.

Mrs.Bhaduri, a 1968 batch IFS has been Ambassador in various countries.

She has extended financial support for the tribal students to enable them to use Solar Cooker.

And from her savings and pension she has coughed up Rs.3 lakh and provided to State Government.

This is rare and never experienced ever before, said Ramesh Chandra Majhi, Minister Science & Technology.

Mr.Majhi taking the cue from her has allotted Rs.21 lakh for Solar Cooker and Solar Lighting in the tribal schools of the State, where there is no electricity.

Mrs.Bhaduri contacted Sudarshan Pal Thakur, a pro-poor mandarin and Commissioner-cum-Secretary of the Department of Science & Technology (DOST).

The former Ambassador said that she has seen the plight of people in the areas of Rayagada and Kalahandi.

So her money may be utilized in Kashipur block of Rayagadaand Thuamulrampur block of Kalahandi.

Mr.Thakur, who has worked in the far flung areas of Koraput, Kalahandi and Rayagada knows the problems of the hapless tribals.

Once the matter was brought to the notice of the Minister Science & Technology, he decided to go in a big way.

Now with allocation from the Government and donation of Mrs.Bhaduri in hand, OREDA will cover at least 400 schools in providing Solar Cooker and Solar Lighting, said sources.

She has earlier visited the areas and recently with active help of Agargamee, a leading NGO, they have provided 500 Solar Lamps in some remote tribal villages.

Mrs.Bhaduri said that demand for this renewable energy device has been unexpectedly good.

That is why she was encouraged to provide Solar Cookers to the tribal schools.

S Raghavan, Chief Executive OREDA is eager to help out the tribal students with both solar Cooker and Solar Lightings.

And Chairman OREDA, Mr.Majhi has already green signalled the scheme, said sources.