SuDesi Lab (Sustainability and Design Lab) led by Prof. Monto Mani conducted outreach activity to commemorate 50 years of Centre for Sustainable Technologies (Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore) at Government Urdu High School, Sidlagatta. PhD Students Roshan R Rao, Suchi Priyadarshani, and Shreyata Khurana along with interns Jeswin Varghese, and Andrea Magdalene Pais coordinated the event.
Dr. Yagnaseni Roy, Assistant Professor at the centre also volunteered for the event. The activities conducted involved installation of a Solar PV System (1KWp Capacity Solar PV panels, 3.5 kVA Solar UPS, and 4 Nos 12V-135AH tubular batteries) to electrify an entire wing of the school. The cost incurred (~1.5 Lakhs) was partially supported by the centre and partially by EarthWatch India. The installation helped in electrification of the new wing of the school building, with a possible saving in the electricity bill which currently amounts to about 2,500 rupees every month. This opportunity was also utilized to appraise the school teachers and students about the benefits of solar energy. A small Solar education kit designed and assembled by Roshan R Rao was also donated for the science lab of the school.
Shreyata Khurana and Suchi Priyadarshani further conducted a career counselling session for the students of 8th, 9th and 10th standard. Discussions on opportunities post-school academic opportunities were informally carried out. Students were also encouraged to share their doubts with regards further education after 10th grade. The session also involved one-on-one discussion with girl students about the importance continuing education and ways to pursue the same. Dr. Yagnaseni had a discussion with the teachers on the difficulties faced by students and also the opportunities for improvement. The out-reach program ended with a demonstration of the solar education kit to students, and a cultural event organised by students and teachers of the school.