IIT Bombay professor's torn socks spark sustainability debate at 5-Star hotel
IIT Bombay professor's torn socks spark sustainability debate at 5-Star hotel
Chetan Singh Solanki, renowned as the Solar Man of India, recently defended his choice of wearing torn socks in a photo taken at a luxury hotel, emphasizing his commitment to sustainability.
A viral picture showing Solanki, a professor from IIT Bombay, seated in a luxury New Delhi hotel with visibly worn socks, has garnered significant attention on social media. Solanki has taught at IIT Bombay for over two decades and is affectionately dubbed the Solar Man of India or Solar Gandhi for his relentless advocacy for solar energy.
The photo, snapped at the Hyatt in Delhi, captured Solanki during a quiet moment before he delivered a talk at the Economic Times Energy Leadership Summit on September 25th. He explained his choice in a LinkedIn post, stating, "Yes, my torn socks were exposed! I need to replace them, I will and sure, I can afford to – but nature cannot. In nature, everything is finite."
Solanki, who has traveled over 43,000 km across 20 states to promote solar energy and raise awareness about environmental degradation, emphasized his dedication to reducing waste. He shared that he consciously strives to make efficient use of everything he buys, aiming to minimize his carbon footprint.
"I may use the best gadgets to enhance my productivity, but I strive to use the least amount of material to reduce my carbon footprint," Solanki wrote. He likened his approach to that of businessmen who seek to maximize profits from their investments, explaining that as a social worker, he aims to maximize the impact of his time.
His post concluded with hashtags highlighting sustainability, leadership, climate correction, and minimalism.
Social Media Reactions
The professor's post resonated with many social media users, who praised his efforts to prioritize the environment. One user humorously commented, "Thanks Chetan Singh Solanki, your example has given me the courage to come out of the closet as a fellow torn socks wearer! This is really reducing the carbon footprint!"
Others lauded Solanki's long-standing efforts towards India's sustainability, recognizing his significant contributions to environmental awareness and solar energy promotion.
