Thursday, March 20, 2014: Electronics maker Panasonic partnered with six prominent non-government organisations (NGO), to distribute a total of 4,000 solar lanterns in India, on Tuesday. The initiative is to help people living fight dark in areas that have no electricity, which covered states like Bihar, Andhra Pradesh, Orissa, West Bengal and Haryana.
Panasonic joined hands with socially working organisation such as World Health Partners, Plan International India, World Vision India, Care India, Japan Lutheran Evangelical Association and SARD for this initiative.
According to a TOI report, Panasonic said in statement that the other endeavours planned by the company aimed at allowing medical aid services at night to support healthcare for deprived families. It also intended to conduct eco-education classes for children in evenings, without depending on the government infrastructure. This project will also support economic independence of people living in off-grid areas.
Earlier, Panasonic had portioned 10,000 compact solar lights to non-profit, non-governmental and humanitarian organisations. The grant was made to help solve social challenges in countries like India (5,000 units), Myanmar (3,000 units), and refugee camps in Africa (2,000 units), in 2013.
In the report, G Prasad, director-Off Grid Location Ministry of New & Renewable Energy (MNRE) said, “Increasing pressure of population and a cumulative use of energy in different sectors of the economy is an area of concern for India. This initiative by Panasonic will help solve various existing social issues.”
