Shillong, Indian Air Force Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla said sustainable practices adopted in space offer lessons for northeastern states like Meghalaya, expanding renewable energy in remote areas.
Addressing the 23rd National Space Science Symposium hosted by the North East Space Applications Center at Umiam near here on Thursday, Shukla, India’s second astronaut, stressed that life aboard the International Space Station is almost entirely dependent on solar energy.
“Astronauts reuse critical resources in a very limited environment. This discipline shows that sustainable practices are achievable and practical for us as well,” Shukla, the first Indian to visit the ISS in 2025, told students and researchers during an interaction session on Thursday.
He lauded Meghalaya’s efforts to promote clean energy in rural and remote areas where traditional electricity supply remains a challenge.
At the seminar, Meghalaya New and Renewable Energy Development Agency showcased solar energy initiatives in the state under the Prime Minister’s Solar Mission.
MNREDA officials said the Prime Minister’s Solar Mission focuses on improving last mile connectivity in remote and hilly areas.
Lower primary schools across the state are being equipped with off-grid solar PV systems with full government support.
Under this scheme, tiered financial support is being provided to households and institutions, 90 per cent support to PMAY beneficiaries and small schemes, and 50 per cent support to larger establishments, officials said.
As part of the event, solar inverters were distributed to 20 primary schools to ensure stable electricity supply to classrooms.
“These systems are intended to provide reliable power for better learning and support digital education,” a senior MNREDA official told PTI.
Additional Deputy Commissioner Re Bhoi, R Brahma, welcomed the interaction between students and space scientists, noting that ISRO’s achievements continue to inspire young learners to connect science with practical challenges.
Organizers said the symposium highlighted Meghalaya’s shift towards renewable energy, with solar energy emerging as a practical solution for remote communities.
“Prime Minister’s Solar Mission significantly improves last-mile access and reduces dependency on traditional grids,” an official added.
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