Pune: Dr. Vijay Bhatkar, a pioneering figure in India's IT industry and the creator of India’s first supercomputer, Param, has taken on a new role as the mentor for the Green TERRE Foundation (GTF). The foundation is dedicated to developing skills among university students to achieve Net Zero campuses.
The global Net Zero University campus movement, seen as crucial for preparing youth for a carbon-neutral future, has gained significant momentum. This initiative aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of a ‘Developed India 2047’ and aims to empower Indian youth as they embark on this transformative journey.
The Smart Campus Cloud Network (SCCN), a rapidly growing global network of universities organized by GTF, stands to benefit immensely from Dr. Bhatkar’s mentorship.
His extensive experience, including his tenure as Chancellor of Nalanda University, which has made significant progress towards becoming a Net Zero campus, will be invaluable.
The SCCN network includes nearly 500 universities and educational institutions from countries such as India, China, the USA, UAE, Portugal, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka, all of which can learn from the Nalanda experience.
Dr. Bhatkar, known for elevating India’s global standing in IT and digital technology, has previously served as Chairman of the Board of Governors at IIT Delhi and is currently the Chairman of Vijnana Bharati, a non-profit organization of Indian scientists. His expertise will be crucial for the digital measurement, monitoring, and assessment of Net Zero University campuses.
Dr. Rajendra Shende, founder director of GTF and former Director of UNEP, welcomed Dr. Bhatkar, highlighting his vision for harnessing the potential of India’s youth to tackle climate change.
Dr. Shende emphasized that skilled and empowered youth are essential for a climate-resilient future and achieving the goals outlined in the Paris Climate Agreement.
Dr. Bhatkar expressed his enthusiasm for mentoring university youth, considering it a crucial investment in human capital necessary to achieve global sustainable development goals.
He underscored his belief that Science, Spirituality, and Sustainability are the pillars of a peaceful and prosperous planet, and expressed his commitment to contributing to Prime Minister Modi’s vision of a ‘Developed India 2047’ through his role at GTF.