Akshay Urja Diwas, also known as Indian Renewable Energy Day, is observed every year on 20th August in India. The day is devoted to ensuring that people appreciate renewable energy and its benefits to minimize dependence on fossil fuels. In addition to environmental protection, it is also a national reminder that it is time to switch to clean, sustainable sources of energy that future generations will have to use.
Why is Akshay Urja Diwas celebrated?
20 August is the birthday anniversary of the former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi who dreamed about a progressive and technology-based India. His leadership was focused on innovation and development, renewable energy was considered to be one of the major pillars of his vision. In 2004, the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) designated this day to highlight the importance of adopting renewable energy as part of India’s growth journey.
Akshay Urja is a Sanskrit term denoting, “inexhaustible energy”. As opposed to coal, oil and natural gas, which are exhausted sources that are harmful to the environment, renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, hydro and biomass are not only sustainable but also are abundant. Given the emphasis on Akshay Urja, India aims at establishing an energy-secure future that would not affect the ecological balance.
Why Renewable Energy is Significant in India
India is one of the fastest-growing economies in the world, and with that growth comes a rising demand for energy. Conventionally, this demand was fulfilled largely by fossil fuels. But now the effects, which are climate change, air pollution, and depletion of the resources, can no longer be overlooked Renewable energy is overcoming these problems in the following ways:
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Sustainability | Solar and wind power has no chance of diminishing as it can be continuously used without worry. |
| Clean Environment | Reduced green house gas emission and air pollution. |
| Energy Security | Energy Security Decreases the reliance on the foreign fuels and increases the self reliance of India. |
| Job Creation | Renewable energy sets up new job possibilities, particularly in the countryside. |
| Economic Development | The economy is supported by cheap renewable energy to drive the industries and communities. |
So because of all these reasons, renewable energy is very important.
How to Celebrate Urja Day
Several activities are held on the day by schools, colleges, NGOs and government agencies throughout India. Events are usually comprised of:
- Awareness Campaigns: Lectures, rallies and workshops are carried out to enlighten people on the advantages of renewable energy.
- Exhibitions & Demonstrations: Collection of solar cookers, rooftop solar panels, wind generators and biomass gasifiers.
- Student Involvement: Essay contest, debates and painting contests to get the young minds to think of sustainable energy.
- Community Projects: Initiatives such as distributing solar lamps, organizing tree plantation drives, and installing renewable energy equipment in villages.
Such efforts are meant not only to educate but to motivate the citizens to embrace renewable energy in their everyday lives.
The Renewable Energy Development in India
The last ten years have seen India achieve fantastic progress in the field of renewable energy. India has one of the highest capacities in solar and wind energy as per the recent reports. The government has ambitious goals, including the goal of reaching 500 GW of renewable energy capacity by 2030 and zero-net emissions by 2070.
The National Solar Mission, International Solar Alliance (ISA) and renewable policies in the states have made India a global leader in clean energy. Rooftop solar, solar-powered irrigation and wind farms are changing both the rural and the urban landscape.
Conclusion
Urja day reminds us that our energy decisions in the present will determine the quality of life of our future generations. By adopting renewable energy, in addition to preserving its environment, India will be able to fuel its economy and attain long-term energy stability.
With the realities of climate change upon the world, urja day calls us to action rather than just awareness. Akshay Urja is all about taking sustainable decisions now which will make India a brighter, cleaner and greener place tomorrow.
