Two persons have been chosen for the Soorya Mitra awards instituted by Selco Solar Light Pvt. Ltd, Bengaluru, founded by Magsaysay award winner Harish Hande, in recognition of their contribution to promoting solar energy solutions in rural Karnataka.
Addressing presspersons here on Monday, Jagadish Pai, deputy general manager of the company, said the awards would be presented to Fr. Maria Julian, director, Chitra Don Bosco, Chitradurga, and Arjun Menda, founder and chairman RMZ Corporation and trustee, Menda Foundation, Bengaluru.
The selection for the award was done by a committee constituted under Dr. Hande, founder-chairman of the company.
Solar back-up
Mr. Menda and Fr. Julian were chosen for providing solar lighting to poor students from rural areas, who were deprived of electricity and also for promoting solar powered Digital Education System in government higher primary and high schools, which lacked adequate resources. Their initiatives had benefited over 25,000 students in more than 150 schools in the State, he said.
Shekhar Gupta, vice-chairman, India Today Group, and K.M. Udupa, managing trustee of Bharatiya Vikas Trust, would give away the awards at the Town Hall here at 10.30 a.m. on May 30, Mr. Pai said.
