Wednesday, April 28, 2010

This IIT prof pedals hard to save ecology-Dr Bhupinder Singh

 Praful Chander Nagpal

Fazilka, April 27
Being a septuagenarian does not diminish his spirit to go pedalling to inspire others to prevent environmental pollution, global warming and saving fuel to conserve energy.

Fazilka-born Prof Bhupinder Singh, honoured with Urja Purush award by the Uttrakhand government, is virtually the epicentre for the youth whom he delights in guiding on their career path besides imbibing in them moral values.

Singh, a retired professor from IIT Roorkee, got the teaching job at the department of mechanical and industrial engineering at the University of Roorkee.

He got his doctorate in energy management and pollution control. In his pursuit for application of solar energy, he developed a solar refrigerator, besides other solar devices which though not economical right now, should be ready for usage in another few years when the shortage of synthetic energy would require such devices. Though the solar refrigerator developed by him is not economical yet the solar dryer, solar assistant and solar water heater are becoming popular in Uttarakhand.

In Punjab, he is working to popularise the use of solar energy in the border region of Fazilka. Besides the solar devices, his research has entailed the development of projects related to pedal power, biogas generators, hydropower and biomass related equipment.

A multi-dimensional personality, he is fond of photography and writing books. Dr Singh has written two technical booklets on solar mechanics and solar refrigeration which highlight the use of solar energy for various purposes.

While serving as a professor at the IIT Roorkee, Singh refused to accept the post of the head of the department of energy merely because he feared being losing his zeal to teach and carry on research and development.

Whether he has his camp office at Roorkee or Fazilka, it is immaterial for Singh who uses his bicycle to move around. His routine pedalling for 8-16 kilometres daily has become an integral part of his life.

To pusue his passion, Singh has acquired a folding cycle which he carries along with him happily everywhere. Singh has been using this bicycle for nearly six decades now. If he comes across traffic snarls, he folds his bicycle and starts walking while carrying it on his shoulder.

Dr Singh delivers lectures and attends seminars with energy conservation as the theme organised by the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, Government of India.

http://www.tribuneindia.com/2010/20100428/bathinda.htm#4

2 comments:

Unknown said...

He is a blessed soul.Rare and sensitive and in his own simple way teaching some of the timeless concepts --coexisting in harmony with nature , valuing nature and an ideal role model for todays impressionable youth.
Hope both adults and children so very rooted in materialism today ; pause and notice and learn.

anchitjindal07 said...

Hats off...A rarity in present world..I salute him