From IIT Bombay to Climate Warrior: Professor Quits Prestigious Post to Save the Planet

In an inspiring and profound act of dedication, Dr. Rangan Banerjee, a distinguished professor from IIT Bombay's Energy Science and Engineering Department and former Director of IIT Delhi, has made a remarkable transition: he has resigned from his esteemed academic position to fully immerse himself in the urgent battle against climate change.

This life-altering decision wasn't a sudden whim but the culmination of deep introspection, sparked by a simple yet profound question from his daughter.

One day, observing his torn socks, she innocently asked, "Papa, why do you wear torn socks? If you wear new ones, someone will get a job. If we don’t buy new things, how will the economy grow?" Her query, echoing the fundamental dilemma of sustainability versus economic growth, struck a chord deep within Dr.

Banerjee.

He recognized the inherent conflict: his long-held belief in resource conservation clashed with the necessity of economic activity. While he advocated for reducing consumption, he understood that societies also need growth for development and employment. This pivotal moment led him to ponder how to reconcile these seemingly opposing forces – how to foster responsible consumption and production in a world grappling with an escalating climate crisis.

The urgency of the situation cannot be overstated.

With record-breaking temperatures, unprecedented extreme weather events, and India's alarming vulnerability to climate impacts, Dr. Banerjee felt an undeniable call to action. Having spent over three decades researching and teaching sustainable energy, energy efficiency, solar energy, and building energy, he possessed not only a deep understanding of the problem but also a powerful conviction that more direct intervention was needed.

His new venture, aptly named 'Pravah' (meaning 'flow' or 'stream'), is a social enterprise designed to create a groundswell of sustainable communities and inspire collective action.

Through Pravah, Dr. Banerjee aims to build capacity, foster collaboration among diverse stakeholders, and promote innovative, sustainable solutions that address environmental challenges at a grassroots level. He envisions a future where individuals, businesses, and governments work in harmony to build a resilient and sustainable world.

Dr.

Banerjee emphasizes that his departure from IIT Bombay is not an abandonment of academia, but rather a strategic shift towards more direct and impactful climate action. He believes that the intellectual rigor and innovative spirit he cultivated in his academic career will now be channeled into tangible projects and community engagement.

His hope is that his personal sacrifice and unwavering commitment will serve as an inspiration for many others to join the critical fight against what he rightly terms an existential crisis. It is a powerful testament to the idea that true leadership often involves stepping outside traditional comfort zones to confront the greatest challenges of our time.