SIA Fest jointly organized by Tata Power and News 18 concludes successfully as a celebration of India’s leadership role in green energy transition
The Sustainable Is Attainable Fest (SIA FEST) recently concluded in New Delhi registered participation of leaders from diverse fields. This festival was the joint initiative of Tata Power, a leading name in India’s integrated power companies and News 18. A call for mass collective awakening and behavioral shift was reinforced in this Fest, to aid India that is reckoned as one of the fasted growing economies in the world, to emerge as a leader in green energy transition by setting new benchmarks. Stalwarts comprising Ministers, Foreign dignitaries and Industry leaders set the tone through their address. Hon’ble Union Power Minister RK Singh, speaking about India’s per capita carbon emissions said that as compared to global levels it was one third only. He recounted how in 2015 at the Paris Summit India had pledged a 40 % of their energy from non-fossil fuels by 2023 and added that India was already at 42.8% in its onward march, 7 years ahead of the deadline. India he said has also emerged “as the most attractive market for renewables.”
Hon’ble Union Environment Minister Shri Bhupender Yadav complimented the SIA initiative and said these actions galvanized community action, and the correct approach towards development was “One Earth, One Future” He further added that a unified society and government approach was needed to address a burning issue like climate change. Dr Praveer Sinha, CEO & MD of Tata Power, while complimenting the initiatives being taken by the Government of Indiaalso highlighted how initiatives like solarisation in the field of agriculture, or the electrification of rural areas, facilitating the adoption of roof top solutions for industrial and commercial establishments were instrumental in driving the attainment of a greener future for the country. Speaking about the crucial partnership with Tata Power Mr. Avinash Kaul, Chief Executive Officer, Network18 (Broadcast) & Managing Director A+E Networksmentioned,how it was focused at instilling an awareness and empowering people through knowledge about the Green Energy culture in India. Their news channels and digital properties have over the past few months been engaging their diverse audience by showcasing compelling content on the attainment of sustainability.
This Fest was not only a celebration of India’s Emerging leadership towards a clean energy future, but also listed goals and priorities for the future. Another significant feature of the SIA Fest was driving conversations amongst key opinion leaders. Policy makers and consumers with the aim of facilitating an attitudinal shift, towards sustainable energy. This vibrant forum while fostering dialogues also promoted the adoption of green energy in India. The SIA Movement establishes the urgent need for Indians to shift towards sustainable and renewable energy. By the year 2070 India aims at achieving Net Zero emissions, thereby establishing itself as a leader in the global green energy revolution. Felicitations of Champions of Change was also held at this Fest. Cochin International Airport, which is the world’s first green airport, fully powered by solar energy to meet their electr i c i t y requi rement ; was felicitated. The other names in the impressive list of felicitations included, Ms Prachi Shevgaonkar, the young climate innovator, who runs an app and the movementand the movement ‘Cool The Globe’ that helps individuals take small actions to reduce their carbon footprints, Ms Bhumi Pednekar, India’s first National Advocate for Sustainable Development Goals, appointed by the UNDP,V-Shesh, which focuses on training persons with disabilities and works towards making them employable in the corporate sector, India’s first allelectric ride hailing mobility service with a mission to steer towards clean mobility -BluSmart Mobility, The Divisional Forest Officer, Hirakud Wildlife Division at Sambalpur & Bargarh districts, Odisha, Ms Anshu Pragyan Das and Mr. Pradeep Sangwan, Founder of Healing Himalayas.
H.E Ugo Astuto, Ambassador of the European Union to India and Bhutan mentioned how India and the European Union were investing heavily in the transition towards greener energy and working towards the common global good. Climate change he said was an important part of the strategic partnership India’s experience in scale he said would go a long way for seeking global solutions. The Ambassador of Denmark to India,H.E. Freddy Svane, H.E. Naor Gilon, Ambassador of Israel to India, Sri Lanka, and Bhutan,H.E. Alberto A. Guani, Ambassador of the Republic of Uruguay, were the other dignitaries present who too expressed their views.
What emerged poignantly at the SIA Fest was the importance of collective action in the present for a green, clean and sustainable tomorrow!