ROSE-CoFounderInterview-Jan2011

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“Bridging the Gap through Education

Interview with prof. Chetan Si

founder of EduPark

In 2001, a few Indians working

children from economically disadvantaged

Solanki (A), who headed the initiative, has since then moved

academic career. ROSE (Q): Let

Belgium.

ps: ( prof. Chetan's detailed bio

http://www.edupark.org/office_bearers.html

Q: How did you land in Belgium?

A: First of all let me congratulate all ROSEiens who held the flag high during last 10 years of its

existence. It is a great achievement!

ROSE – An Organisati

Supporting Education

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[email protected]

www.rosevzw.net

Dorpstraat 564

3061 Bertem

Gap through Education”

prof. Chetan Singh Solanki - co-founder of ROSE and

in Leuven founded ROSE as a means to support education for

children from economically disadvantaged communities in developing countries.

initiative, has since then moved back to India for a successful

Let’s start with a few words on what had initially

's detailed bio-data can be folowed at the end of this document and also at

//www.edupark.org/office_bearers.html)

Q: How did you land in Belgium?

First of all let me congratulate all ROSEiens who held the flag high during last 10 years of its

existence. It is a great achievement!

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ROSE vzw

Dorpstraat 564

Bertem, Belgium

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of ROSE and

means to support education for

countries. Chetan Singh

back to India for a successful

few words on what had initially brought you to

data can be folowed at the end of this document and also at

First of all let me congratulate all ROSEiens who held the flag high during last 10 years of its

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I have done Bachelors in Engineering and masters in microelectronics from IIT Bombay

project work in master degree I have got interested in research work. I wanted to do research in

an area which is directly relevant to society, particularly rural society. I have discussed this with

my guide, Prof. R. Lal at IIT Bombay. He suggest

converts light into electricity and the electricity can be generated wherever there is sunlight.

Therefore, this technology can be used to bring electricity to remote rural areas where there is no

power. On my guides suggestion I read some books and research papers and liked the subject.

Subsequently I applied for Ph.D. in good research institutions including IMEC in Belgium.

After my M.Tech., however, I started working for Texas Instruments in Banglore. But as soo

I got the offer for doing Ph.D. with scholarship

and landed in Belgium to pursue

Q. Since when social service has become your passion

A: It was summer of 1996, when I attended a talk in my engine

about role of an Engineer as entrepreneur in strengthening economy. The speaker also mentioned

about the various schemes for starting small scale enterprises. I think that was turning point in

my life. After that I decided to

areas, who use these plastic shoes and chappals. My idea was that it will create jobs for people

and will enhance their economic status, which would result in better health and education. I

started looking for raw material, machinery and more important

in third year of my engineering. My father noticed this

was too young to do this and take the burden of loan. When I

considering his suggestion, he got angry and one day he bit me. Well, that biting was then

convincing enough to leave the idea of starting a factory

Although I stopped thinking about factory

mind. My village and that area was



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I have done Bachelors in Engineering and masters in microelectronics from IIT Bombay



my guide, Prof. R. Lal at IIT Bombay. He suggested me to work on solar cells. Solar cells



es suggestion I read some books and research papers and liked the subject.


I started working for Texas Instruments in Banglore. But as soo

with scholarship from IMEC on my topic of choice, I left the job

Ph.d.

has become your passion?

A: It was summer of 1996, when I attended a talk in my engineering college (SGSITS, Indore)



start a factory for making plastic shoes and chappal for rural



arted looking for raw material, machinery and more importantly, the finance (loan)

in third year of my engineering. My father noticed this and told not to get into this. He thought I

was too young to do this and take the burden of loan. When I was moving ahead without


convincing enough to leave the idea of starting a factory☺.

hough I stopped thinking about factory but the idea of helping society rema

. My village and that area was and is economically weak, my village had only one class

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Bertem, Belgium

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I have done Bachelors in Engineering and masters in microelectronics from IIT Bombay. During



ed me to work on solar cells. Solar cells



es suggestion I read some books and research papers and liked the subject.


I started working for Texas Instruments in Banglore. But as soon as

from IMEC on my topic of choice, I left the job

ering college (SGSITS, Indore)



start a factory for making plastic shoes and chappal for rural



(loan). I was only

and told not to get into this. He thought I

was moving ahead without


the idea of helping society remained there in my

economically weak, my village had only one class

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room (I studied there till 3rd) in the name of school, so does many villages

connection to my village, it is not there now either.

Q: How you persuade your passion of social

A: I have done my M.Tech. from IIT Bombay in Mumbai. Mumbai is a big city. There were

several organizations working for social cause. The Child Relief and your (CRY), the Pratham

and Ralegan Siddhi (village of Anna Hazare in Maharastra) are some of them. Apart from my

studies, I visited offices of the mentioned NGOs, learned about them and sometime participated

in their activities. I was so thinking so much about social work that I s

another masters in sociology.

Q. Why you thought about starting ROSE?

A: When I came to Leuven for Ph.D. in 1999 I started looking for NGOs with whom I could

work. There was no CRY, there was no ASHA, in fact, there was no organizatio

working in Leuven for India. That is why I started thinking of starting a new organization.

Q. Tell about your experience of starting ROSE.

A. When I thought about starting an NGO, I started looking for people with similar mindset and

dedication for the work. It did not take much time to find Shashidhar, Subrata and Sanchita. We

four came together discussed the idea and got started. I remember, it took us about two months

of discussion before we could converge on objectives of ROSE, that is hel

primary schools in rural areas (India as well as in other countries) to improve the quality of

Education. In two months we debated about what we should do? how we should do?, should we

register the organization? Etc. Most of the time we had

if we should do registration of ROSE and if ROSE should only work for India or for other

countries as well, there was huge heated discussion. Once we clarity about our objectives, we

registered ROSE and went ahea

great experience to work with many people having dedication and sincerity towards the jobs they



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(I studied there till 3rd) in the name of school, so does many villages, there was no bus

village, it is not there now either.

Q: How you persuade your passion of social service during your masters.



d Ralegan Siddhi (village of Anna Hazare in Maharastra) are some of them. Apart from my


in their activities. I was so thinking so much about social work that I started thinking to d

Q. Why you thought about starting ROSE?


work. There was no CRY, there was no ASHA, in fact, there was no organizatio


Q. Tell about your experience of starting ROSE.


on for the work. It did not take much time to find Shashidhar, Subrata and Sanchita. We


of discussion before we could converge on objectives of ROSE, that is helping government


In two months we debated about what we should do? how we should do?, should we

register the organization? Etc. Most of the time we had friendly discussion but specially on issue



registered ROSE and went ahead and invited other people to join, and started working.


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Dorpstraat 564

Bertem, Belgium

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, there was no bus



d Ralegan Siddhi (village of Anna Hazare in Maharastra) are some of them. Apart from my


tarted thinking to do


work. There was no CRY, there was no ASHA, in fact, there was no organization which was



on for the work. It did not take much time to find Shashidhar, Subrata and Sanchita. We


ping government


In two months we debated about what we should do? how we should do?, should we

friendly discussion but specially on issue



d and invited other people to join, and started working. It was


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have undertaken, the ROSE. I would like to t

experience.

Q. Why you have taken decision to move back to India immediately after your Ph.d.?

A. Well, before coming to Belgium I had made plans to leave Belgium to come to India. In order

to track my plan I was counting days. In my daily diaries I was keepin

remaining days to come back to India.

problem it is important to live with the problem. Being in abroad is probably good for fund

raising but not so good for planning and ex

areas or close to them.

When I went to Belgium, I thought, I should fix a date for returning, otherwise it get postponed

and some people never come back. Tentatively I fixed a date of my birthday. Coi

finishing Ph.D., I landed on early morning of 21

saying “life tends to support our preferences”. I

inside and take honest action to pursue your bel

Q: Tell us something about your current venture of starting Education Park.

A: After returning to India, since I have earned expertise in renewable energy during my Ph.D.

and there is huge demand for energy in rural areas, I started an organization

Foundation (NEF, www.nenf.org

organized several workshop, demonstrated technologies like

And, distributed many solar lanterns which are now be

people. In 2008, after having about 10 years of experience of doing social service, I realized that

all my efforts towards education children in rural areas are affecti

helps them to get the skills of reading and writing but it did not help them to get job. I could not

count a single child whose life is changed because of efforts of organization with whom I was

working. I careful thought revealed that, although there are some efforts being



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[email protected]

www.rosevzw.net

Dorpstraat 564

3061 Bertem


I would like to thank all those who were part of this wonderful


to Belgium I had made plans to leave Belgium to come to India. In order

to track my plan I was counting days. In my daily diaries I was keeping count of number of

remaining days to come back to India. This is because I strongly felt that if you want to solve the


raising but not so good for planning and executing projects in rural area. We need to be in rural


and some people never come back. Tentatively I fixed a date of my birthday. Coi

finishing Ph.D., I landed on early morning of 21st May 2004, my birth date. I am believer of the

saying “life tends to support our preferences”. It does support, provided you are honest from

inside and take honest action to pursue your beliefs.


, since I have earned expertise in renewable energy during my Ph.D.

and there is huge demand for energy in rural areas, I started an organization called New Energy

, www.nenf.org) in 2006 to promote renewable energy in rural areas.

organized several workshop, demonstrated technologies like solar cooking and solar lanterns.

And, distributed many solar lanterns which are now being used by about 18000 students and


all my efforts towards education children in rural areas are affecting them a little way. Our effort

the skills of reading and writing but it did not help them to get job. I could not


working. I careful thought revealed that, although there are some efforts being put, but efforts are

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hank all those who were part of this wonderful


to Belgium I had made plans to leave Belgium to come to India. In order

g count of number of

This is because I strongly felt that if you want to solve the


ecuting projects in rural area. We need to be in rural


and some people never come back. Tentatively I fixed a date of my birthday. Coincidently, after

May 2004, my birth date. I am believer of the

does support, provided you are honest from


, since I have earned expertise in renewable energy during my Ph.D.

called New Energy

to promote renewable energy in rural areas. We have

olar cooking and solar lanterns.

ing used by about 18000 students and


ng them a little way. Our effort

the skills of reading and writing but it did not help them to get job. I could not


put, but efforts are

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so small in quantity and quality that the recipient of the support is not able to cross the required

barrier.

I often given example of a P-N junction diode. A silicon diode turns ON if you provide it 0.7

Volt, but if you provide it let say 0.3 Volt for whole of your life, the diode will never turn ON. I

think same is true with providing any social support. Your support has to be good enough to help

beneficiary crossing the required barrier, the barrier after which he/she does not need

from anybody. I asked myself can we do this? Is it possible? The answer came in the form of

Education Park (www.edupark.org)

providing “High quality and affordable education and training”

emphasizes the fact that the Education and Training that we provide at Education Park should be

at par with any urban Education and Training. If you can achieve this, then we believe that the

students and trainee coming out of

stand on their own, they will be turned “ON” when they come out.

Q: Would you like to give any message to ROSE members.

A: I would like to congratulate again to all ROSEiens for this achievement.

for ROSE would have been great

play important role in shaping our lives and our destinations. It makes our lives complete. So, I

would recommend each and every body to tak

about common good rather than individual good and contribute your bit in the development of

our nations and other who need our help. The support of ‘developed’ for the one ‘needing

development’ is need of the hour for better world.

Thank you.



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[email protected]

www.rosevzw.net

Dorpstraat 564

3061 Bertem



N junction diode. A silicon diode turns ON if you provide it 0.7

et say 0.3 Volt for whole of your life, the diode will never turn ON. I


required barrier, the barrier after which he/she does not need


(www.edupark.org). The Education Park is an organization which

providing “High quality and affordable education and training” in rural areas. High quality



students and trainee coming out of Education Park will not require anybody’s support, they will

stand on their own, they will be turned “ON” when they come out.

: Would you like to give any message to ROSE members.

A: I would like to congratulate again to all ROSEiens for this achievement. I am sure working

for ROSE would have been great and enriching experience for all. I think, these experiences also


would recommend each and every body to take some initiative, spend some time for others, think



f the hour for better world.

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N junction diode. A silicon diode turns ON if you provide it 0.7

et say 0.3 Volt for whole of your life, the diode will never turn ON. I


required barrier, the barrier after which he/she does not need any support


The Education Park is an organization which works for

in rural areas. High quality



Education Park will not require anybody’s support, they will

I am sure working

and enriching experience for all. I think, these experiences also


e some initiative, spend some time for others, think



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Dr. Chetan Singh Solanki

President, Education Park

Present Work

Associate Professor,

Dept. of Energy Science and Engineering

Indian Institute of Technology Bombay,

Powai, Mumbai 400 076, India

Tel. home: +91-22-2572 1248

Tel. office: +91-22-2576 7895

Fax: +91-22-2576 4890

E-mail: [email protected]

For details visit to www.ese.iitb.ac.in/~chetan

Personal information Born on 21st May 1975, Male, Married,

Education Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.), Applied Science

(IMEC), Belgium, 2004, www.imec.be

Master of Technology (M. Tech.)

(www.iitb.ac.in ) in 1999

Bachelor of Engineering (B.E.)

1997, www.sgsits.ac.in



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Dept. of Energy Science and Engineering

Indian Institute of Technology Bombay,

www.ese.iitb.ac.in/~chetan.

Born on 21st May 1975, Male, Married, Indian

Applied Science from Interuniversity Micro-Electronics Center

www.imec.be

Master of Technology (M. Tech.) from Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay

Bachelor of Engineering (B.E.) from S. G. S. Institute of Science and Technology, Indore in

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Electronics Center

Bombay

from S. G. S. Institute of Science and Technology, Indore in

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Social Initiatives

(1) Founded ROSE (Rose an Organization for Supporting Education), registered in

Leuven, Belgium When Dr. Solanki was pursuing his doctoral study in Belgium he has founded ROSE. It is an

independent, nonprofit (called a "vzw" in Belgium) and volunteer organization ba

Belgium. It is run by mainly students group living in Leuven, Belgium. Its mission is to support

and foster basic education for children from economically disadvantaged rural communities in

developing countries. It was established in 2001 an

impact. It has sponsored and executed more than 48 projects across India, worth more than

150,000 Euro (approximately 100 Lakhs). For details please visit to

(2) Founded NEF (New Energy Foundation), registered in Bhikangaon, MP, India

Energy is lifeblood of any economy and it plays very crucial role in the development of

individuals, society and of nations. India is energy poor. Its energy demand can not

with conventional energy sources. India is blessed with solar energy and available to everyone,

equally to rich and poor. Therefore, with the objective of using energy as a tool for development,

Dr. Solanki has founded NEF to promote use of r

energy in rural area. The promotes solar energy by spreading awareness, training people and

demonstrating technologies. The NEF has so far conducted several training and awareness

programs and demonstrated the ef

So far NEF has donated 550 solar lanterns in 550 villages of India affecting 16000 students.

These villages are spread across several states of India. Dr. Solanki has also authored a book

titled “Renewable Energy Technologies: a practical guide for beginners” suitable for reading by

any citizen interested in energy. This book is also translated in Hindi. More details can be found

at www.nenf.org

Honors He has received Scholarship for postgraduate study from Union Grant Commission, India and

Scholarship for doctoral study from Katholieke University Leuven, Belgium. He has received

Young Scientist Award from European Material Research Society (EMRS), Franc

Other than this his research work is awarded as best poster awards in international conferences

on three occasions. He has also received the certificate of appreciation from

Knowledge Commission of India

Foundation. He has also won second prize in International photography contest organized by

International Society of Photography, Washington DC, USA in 2003.

Writings

Research papers, patents and books

Dr. Chetan S. Solanki has authored more than 40 publications in the reputed international

journals and proceedings. He also owns three US patents for his work on porous silicon for solar

cell applications and another Indian patent has been filed. He is also authored

”Renewable Energy Technology-



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[email protected]

www.rosevzw.net

Dorpstraat 564

3061 Bertem


d ROSE (Rose an Organization for Supporting Education), registered in

When Dr. Solanki was pursuing his doctoral study in Belgium he has founded ROSE. It is an

independent, nonprofit (called a "vzw" in Belgium) and volunteer organization ba



developing countries. It was established in 2001 and since then it is ever growing in terms of its


150,000 Euro (approximately 100 Lakhs). For details please visit to www.rosevz

(2) Founded NEF (New Energy Foundation), registered in Bhikangaon, MP, India

Energy is lifeblood of any economy and it plays very crucial role in the development of

individuals, society and of nations. India is energy poor. Its energy demand can not



Dr. Solanki has founded NEF to promote use of renewable energy sources, particularly solar



programs and demonstrated the effective use of solar lantern in evening education in rural areas.



tled “Renewable Energy Technologies: a practical guide for beginners” suitable for reading by


He has received Scholarship for postgraduate study from Union Grant Commission, India and


from European Material Research Society (EMRS), Franc


on three occasions. He has also received the certificate of appreciation from National

Knowledge Commission of India for his film “Sun Light at Night” on the work of New Energy


International Society of Photography, Washington DC, USA in 2003.

Research papers, patents and books uthored more than 40 publications in the reputed international


cell applications and another Indian patent has been filed. He is also authored three books

- A Practical Guides for Beginners” and “Solar Photovoltaics:

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ROSE vzw

Dorpstraat 564

Bertem, Belgium

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d ROSE (Rose an Organization for Supporting Education), registered in

When Dr. Solanki was pursuing his doctoral study in Belgium he has founded ROSE. It is an

independent, nonprofit (called a "vzw" in Belgium) and volunteer organization based in Leuven,



d since then it is ever growing in terms of its


www.rosevzw.org.

(2) Founded NEF (New Energy Foundation), registered in Bhikangaon, MP, India Energy is lifeblood of any economy and it plays very crucial role in the development of

individuals, society and of nations. India is energy poor. Its energy demand can not be fulfilled



enewable energy sources, particularly solar



fective use of solar lantern in evening education in rural areas.



tled “Renewable Energy Technologies: a practical guide for beginners” suitable for reading by


He has received Scholarship for postgraduate study from Union Grant Commission, India and


from European Material Research Society (EMRS), France in 2003.


National

” on the work of New Energy


uthored more than 40 publications in the reputed international


three books titled

A Practical Guides for Beginners” and “Solar Photovoltaics:

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Fundamentals, Technologies and Applications” published by Prentice

been actively involved in making of a book titled as “Punctuations: a

through the IIT Bombay campus” published by Narosa Publishing House Pvt. Ltd.

Teaching and Training Dr. Solanki specializes in solar energy, particularly in solar photovoltaics. He has been teaching

at IIT Bombay since last five years

fundamental of energy engineering, direct energy conversion, solar photovoltaics both basic and

advanced concepts. His course on Introduction to energy engineering has been broadcasted live

on the internet in 2008, which was accessible across the globe.

He has been invited to deliver over 30 invited lectures at both national and international levels.

He has also conducted several training programs for industry participants as well as

academicians from other institutes in the country.

National and international meetings, workshops and conferences, etc

Dr Solanki has attended seminars and conferences in over 15 countries of the world. He has also

presented his research papers in several countries. He is

meeting on solar energy organized of Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, Department of

Science and Technology. He is also a part of national level committee as a technical expert in

solar energy (photovoltaics).



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Dorpstraat 564

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Fundamentals, Technologies and Applications” published by Prentice-Hall of India. He has also

been actively involved in making of a book titled as “Punctuations: a photographic journey


Dr. Solanki specializes in solar energy, particularly in solar photovoltaics. He has been teaching

at IIT Bombay since last five years. Over this years he has taught several courses covering



ternet in 2008, which was accessible across the globe.



other institutes in the country.

National and international meetings, workshops and conferences, etc Dr Solanki has attended seminars and conferences in over 15 countries of the world. He has also

presented his research papers in several countries. He is also participated in national level



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Bertem, Belgium

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Hall of India. He has also

photographic journey


Dr. Solanki specializes in solar energy, particularly in solar photovoltaics. He has been teaching

. Over this years he has taught several courses covering





Dr Solanki has attended seminars and conferences in over 15 countries of the world. He has also

also participated in national level



ROSE-CoFounderInterview-Jan2011

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