UST Global’s Surya Vilakku for School Children

TechnoparkToday>>As the state of Kerala grapples with a serious power crisis, school children in the city have a ray of hope thanks to the efforts of socially responsible techies. California based IT services company UST Global gave away 100 solar lanterns to the students of the various Government schools in Trivandrum at a function to be held at the Trivandrum Press Club on Jan 24 2013.

Hon. Minister for Electricity Shri Aryadan Mohammed received the first lamp on behalf of the students, from Alexander Varghese, Country Head of UST Global, in the presence of social activist Sugatha Kumari teacher, K.Muraleedharan, MLA, Trivandrum city corporation Mayor Chandrika, and reknowned cultural icon Soorya Krishnamoorthy. Welcome address was given by renowned poetess and social activist Smt Sugatha Kumari and she spoke about the  necessity of conserving environment in general and usage of Solar Energy which is need of the hour.

Organic materials such as coconut shells and recycled wood are the primary raw materials used in manufacturing the lamp, which is aptly titled Surya Vilakku as it is powered by sunlight. Each piece is estimated to be worth Rs 1000/- completely subsidized by UST Global. The lamp, which was designed by Shyam from city based iX (Innovation Experience), has undergone rigorous testing for durability, and offers four hours of bright light against the solar panel’s charging time of six hours. Government schools in Enchakkal, Kanjikkal, Kariyam, Kattayikonam, Kanyakulangara, Channakara, Aatinkuzhi and Manalakam – which are frequently visited by employees of UST Global for voluntary teaching sessions and donating school supplies.

Addressing the occasion , Alexander Varghese , Country Head UST Global expressed “More than a light to study by, the Suryavilakku gives students a taste of green technology. We hope this will inspire them to grow up as socially responsible citizens who will contribute towards similar environmental causes”

iX Technical Director, Shyam Kumar’s  said  “If ten lakh youth use solar reading lamps to study and turn off fluorescent lights at peak times, this would represent between 50MW and 80MW saving of energy. At Innovation eXperience we are committed to developing Kerala as a pioneer for social innovations that benefit citizens and the environment. UST Global has great vision as a founding partner of Innovation eXperience and we hope that other corporations and individuals will join us in promoting Kerala as a hub for social innovation.”