The relationship between Indians and the Sun is as ancient as Indian history. Sun is one of the main Vedic God- ‘Surya’, a name which many Indian parents still name their son after. Konark temple in Odisha, also known as the Black Pagoda and the ‘Chath’ festival in Bihar symbolizes the deep reverence Indians across millennia have for the Sun. In fact, the reverence is so deep that the Yogic Asanas targeted for various body parts are combined in the form of ‘Surya Namaskar’ to pray to the Sun. The sun has played a huge role in Indian art, culture, and spirituality.

Before human species discovered fire, the only sources of light were the sun and the moon. Sun was the antithesis to darkness and evil and a symbol of virtue and truth. This concept was shared by most ancient cultures including Indians. Occasional droughts and famines led by prolonged summers were seen as the wrath of Sun God. He was revered and feared as well. Rituals in obeisance of Sun God to keep him happy was an inherent part of Vedic culture.

Fast forward to 21^st century, Indian civilization has gone through tremendous cultural changes. However, its ancient remnants still exist, be it in the Vedic hymns uttered by the priest or in early morning exercises. With the currents of time, Sun is moving beyond its traditional roles like being the source of spirituality, to being the power source for millions of Indians.

Being located over the Tropic of Cancer, India receives a tremendous amount of Solar radiation and unlike the equatorial countries, it has clear skies most time of the year except the months of monsoon when the subcontinent receives the bulk of its rainfall. This makes the country immensely attractive for Solar power plants. Almost all territories of mainland India is feasible for installing Solar power plant but some regions like Gujarat and Rajasthan gets the best sunshine on par with many other sunny parts of the world.

The need for solar energy not only arise from selfish greed but also from human’s moral obligation as a species. Status quo in the energy industry is certainly not acceptable. Climate change is more challenging to India as it has a densely-populated coastline vulnerable to rising sea levels due to global warming, monsoon dependent food economy and vulnerability to natural calamities. Hence, the need of ordinary Indians to move beyond Surya Namaskar to adopt solar energy as a primary source of energy which is possible with home solar installations, cannot be emphasized enough.

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