148
6 Renewable Energy
6.6 Individual Matter: Bunker Roy
Bunker Roy (see Fig. 6.5) was born on August 2, 1945. He is an Indian educator
and social activist; famous for establishing the Barefoot College. Roy was chosen
as one of the 100 most influential personalities by Time 100 in 2010 for the work he
did in teaching semi-literate Indians in rural areas. After completing Doon School
between 1956 and 1962, he graduated from St. Stephen’s College in 1967. He
is also credited for the establishment of the Social Work and Research in 1972
whose mission changed to sustainability and empowerment (Latchem 2018). The
program aimed to plant water pumps and train the population in maintaining them
without relying on outside mechanics. His work earned him recognition because
of the college’s programs that have successfully trained at least three million
individuals in skills, including solar teachers, architects, doctors, engineers as well
as weavers.
At Barefoot, they also harness the Sun’s power. By recognizing that solar energy
offers electricity and minimizes carbon emissions, the college observed that it
is also a catalyst for employment creation, boosting income, and providing selfreliant solutions for these communities (Latchem 2018). A similar program called
Women Barefoot Solar Engineers of Africa has played a critical role in improving
the lives of rural populations who earn less than $1 a day. Arguably, the college
has played an impactful role in protecting the environment and empowering local
communities.
Fig. 6.5 Bunker Roy. Source: Shankbone (2010)
6 Renewable Energy
6.6 Individual Matter: Bunker Roy
Bunker Roy (see Fig. 6.5) was born on August 2, 1945. He is an Indian educator
and social activist; famous for establishing the Barefoot College. Roy was chosen
as one of the 100 most influential personalities by Time 100 in 2010 for the work he
did in teaching semi-literate Indians in rural areas. After completing Doon School
between 1956 and 1962, he graduated from St. Stephen’s College in 1967. He
is also credited for the establishment of the Social Work and Research in 1972
whose mission changed to sustainability and empowerment (Latchem 2018). The
program aimed to plant water pumps and train the population in maintaining them
without relying on outside mechanics. His work earned him recognition because
of the college’s programs that have successfully trained at least three million
individuals in skills, including solar teachers, architects, doctors, engineers as well
as weavers.
At Barefoot, they also harness the Sun’s power. By recognizing that solar energy
offers electricity and minimizes carbon emissions, the college observed that it
is also a catalyst for employment creation, boosting income, and providing selfreliant solutions for these communities (Latchem 2018). A similar program called
Women Barefoot Solar Engineers of Africa has played a critical role in improving
the lives of rural populations who earn less than $1 a day. Arguably, the college
has played an impactful role in protecting the environment and empowering local
communities.
Fig. 6.5 Bunker Roy. Source: Shankbone (2010)