With a target of covering 4,000 kilometers in 50 days on bicycle from Kashmir to Kanniyakumari, Chandigarh student Pankaj Mahla is on a mission to inspire people to install solar plants.
The 20-year-old Punjab Engineering College student dreams of making an impact on the environment by getting 4,000 solar plants installed on this mission. “As I am pedaling 4,000 kms, I intend to enter at least 4,000 homes en route and convince the families to get solar panels installed. I will tell them, if they all do so, it will amount to growing 8,000 trees and prevent 20,000 tons of carbon dioxide being released into the atmosphere,” he says.
A personal health crisis prompted him to undertake this expedition, he says. On July 5 last year, Pankaj contracted a respiratory infection. “I was having a severe bout of coughing and suddenly could not breathe. It scared me to death. When I recovered, I felt I got a second life; and had this strong urge to do something meaningful for people and the planet,” says Pankaj.
20-year-old Pankaj Mahla on a solar energy mission from Kashmir to Kanniyakumari | Photo Credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT
The desire to contribute to society and the environment has always been strong in the third year Electronics and Communication Engineering student. As a member of the Solar Energy Society of India in his college, he decided to do something on a large scale and take the message of solar energy to the people.
“I have been planning meticulously, training daily in running and cycling with my father and brother encouraging me,” he says. Six months ago after he moved to Bengaluru for his internship, he finalised his route and decided to start his journey
He started on May 30 from Khunmoh in Srinagar and has now reached Telengana. He cycles 120 kms a day and plans to cover 33 cities during his journey. He shares updates about his journey on his Instagram handle (pankajmahla_) where he uploads his reels documenting his daily routine on his initiative named “Solaride.”
20-year-old Pankaj Mahla on a solar energy mission from Kashmir to Kanniyakumari | Photo Credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT
Before setting off Pankaj made a small video on Instagram about his bicycle expedition to decrease carbon footprints. The video caught the attention of some Army officials across the country. “They were kind enough to arrange my stay in various army units across cities including Banihal, Udhampur, Pathankot, Agra, Jhansi, and asked me to talk to soldiers about solar energy.
By the time Pankaj reached his hometown Chandigarh on June 8, the news about his mission had already spread leading to an invitation from the Haryana government to educate students from different colleges along his route.
“During my interactions with people, I tell them how to create an ecosystem by using solar energy and also explain why there is an increase in temperature and how by installing solar panels, there will be no burning of coal for generating electricity,” he says and adds, “I also advocate the use of electric vehicles charged with solar energy to reduce our carbon footprint.”
20-year-old Pankaj Mahla on a solar energy mission from Kashmir to Kanniyakumari | Photo Credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT
Pankaj is also providing a solution to those who have questions about expensive solar panels. “There is a government scheme where you have to pay only 10% for the solar installation, while the remaining 90% can be paid through EMI over five to seven years. The balance amount you pay through EMI is eventually less than the electricity bills you would have paid otherwise. The solar panels also come with a 25-year warranty and are beneficvial for people and the environment,” he says.
Pankaj who crossed Delhi on June 15, says his journey is not just about reaching Kanniyakumari. “It is about leaving a lasting impact on the environment and inspiring others to adopt sustainable practices.”
Nida Fatima Momin
20-year-old Pankaj Mahla on a solar energy mission from Kashmir to Kanniyakumari | Photo Credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT
