South Asian Outlook : An Independent e-Monthly | Community News - USA: Bringing Light from Darkness: Solar Lantern Initiative

Bringing Light from Darkness:
Solar Lantern Initiative

India Development Coalition of America IDCA had a fundraiser dinner for Solar Lanterns for India at India House in Oak Brook on 31st January.

Dr. Hari Lamba of Downers Grove and Mr. Jiwan Prakash Sondhiji of Detroit addressed the distinguished audience of men and women, including college students. Dr. Hari Lamba, author, presented a educative program on alternative energy while Mr. Prakash Sondiji presented details of the Solar Lantern Project to bring rechargeable solar lamps to villages where kerosene is currently being used.

Samples of actual product were also displayed. Each component’s function was discussed and explained. The audience shared the enthusiasm of the speakers, asking numerous questions.

It is estimated 1.5 billion people globally are without electricity. India alone has 236,000 villages with a population of under 500 people and hence the need is estimated at $70,000,000. Improved lighting results in higher incomes and better and higher levels of education. Since solar lanterns are an alternative to kerosene lanterns and are ideally suited for India's villagers.

A brief 2 minute video for changing and moving India forward was shown and the function culminated with a sumptuous diner of Indian delicacies.

Anyone wishing to contribute towards the Bring Light from Darkness is welcome to contribute in funds to IDCA by sending a check made out to IDCA and mailed to Vishwesh Durga, 632 Conestoga Road, Naperville, IL 60563, USA.

Jiwan Sondhi from Detroit with Solar Lantern

India Development Coalition of America holds forums at Oak Brook Library every last Saturday of the month at 2 p.m. Forums are open to the public. Please email Tim Somers at t.somers@idc-america.org be added to the IDCA forum and conference notification list.