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Sustainable and affordable rural technology by Dhanada, Rishikesh |
Rural settings are dramatically changing these days. Considering the technological changes that have permeated all aspects of rural life in India, it becomes extremely important to identify the main parameters and the advantages offered by technological advancements.
With this end in view, a discussion was initiated to consider various factors that mark the rural scene. Some such factors like sustainability of the advancements, compatibility of the age-old methods, the need for the involvement of community, availability of material, and financial sustainability were discussed as the key parameters.
Setting up of a rural technology focus group was proposed. To develop technologies designed specifically for rural areas, it was discussed that the energies of undergraduate students will be channelized to solve relevant local problems. The spread of rural technologies in areas like Orissa where 85% of the population lives in rural areas will benefit a majority of the population as they can be directly involved in the development process.
The following projects are on the anvil:-
- Energy resource center
- Motorized bicycle
- Fly-ash bricks
- E-learning software to teach alphabets
Though some of these projects like e-learning software may sound high-tech, but given the right impetus they could evolve as good educational opportunities.
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