The Department of Economics, School of Behavioural and Social Science at Manav Rachna International Institute of Research and Studies (MRIIRS) is set to host a Two-Day National Seminar on “Solar Energy & Sustainability for Tribal Communities” at the Institute for Studies in Industrial Development (ISID), New Delhi. The event is supported by the Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR), Chintan Research Foundation (CRF), and ReGlo Industries Pvt. Ltd. as funding partners.
The seminar will serve as a dynamic forum that brings together policymakers, academicians, researchers, industry leaders, practitioners, and community representatives to deliberate on innovative and inclusive strategies for advancing clean energy adoption and sustainable development. With a focused lens on PM–KUSUM and Mission LiFE, the event will chart actionable policy roadmaps for integrating solar energy solutions into the developmental agenda of India’s tribal regions.
Highlighting the significance of this initiative, the organizers stated, “This platform is designed to foster meaningful dialogue and practical solutions, enabling a transition toward a greener and more equitable future. Tribal communities are at the center of India’s sustainability journey, and solar energy can play a transformative role in empowering them.”
One of the key highlights of the seminar is the active involvement of young minds. A pre-seminar poster competition has invited undergraduate and postgraduate students to showcase their creative and solution-oriented approaches to sustainability challenges. The selected posters will be exhibited during the seminar, ensuring that youth perspectives are integrated into the broader policy dialogue on clean energy transitions.
The seminar will feature in-depth discussions and presentations on key areas such as:
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Policy interventions to accelerate solar energy adoption in tribal communities
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Inclusive strategies for ensuring active participation of tribal populations in renewable energy initiatives
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Pathways for achieving India’s sustainability goals under Mission LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment)
The two-day event is expected to yield concrete recommendations for strengthening India’s renewable energy strategy while promoting social equity and environmental responsibility.
This important dialogue is made possible through the generous support of ICSSR, Chintan Research Foundation (CRF), and ReGlo Industries Pvt. Ltd.
Key Knowledge Partners contributing to the seminar include:
ISID, Ashoka Centre for People Centric Energy Transition, Ashoka University, International Solar Alliance, Tata Power, PRADAN, TRIF, Gram Oorja, WEFT, CEEW, WRI, TERI, TERI SAS, EPIC, IIASA, Global POP Movement, University of Chicago, along with other academic and institutional collaborators.