Latest news with #BrahmaKumaris
Time of India
21-07-2025
- Science
- Time of India
Indo-German tech makes possible massive solar plant in Mount Abu
Tucked far away from the chaos of city grids and toxic fumes, in the serene hills of Mount Abu, a quiet energy revolution is unfolding. The sprawling Shantivan campus of the Brahma Kumaris is home to one of the world's most ambitious solar kitchens. Every day, the India One Solar Thermal Power Plant powers the preparation of fresh, hot vegetarian meals for 50,000 people -- with no electricity, firewood, or cooking gas. Explore courses from Top Institutes in Select a Course Category The plant, which began operations in 2017, is claimed to be the sole unit in the world that runs on solar thermal energy round-the-clock. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Villas Prices In Dubai Might Be More Affordable Than You Think Villas In Dubai | Search Ads Get Quote Undo Spread over 35 acres, the one-megawatt capacity solar plant is a product of a collaboration between India's Ministry of New and Renewable Energy , Germany's Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation, Building and Nuclear Safety, and the German Federal Enterprise for International Cooperation. Mount Abu is around 494 km from Jaipur, the state capital. Live Events "What makes the plant remarkable is that nearly 90 per cent of its components, including all 770 parabolic reflective dishes, were designed and manufactured in India by the Brahma Kumaris' own team of engineers. Only the solar-grade mirrors were imported from the United States," a spokesperson of the Brahma Kumaris in Sirohi district said. He said that the parabolic reflectors are designed to mimic the movement of a sunflower, tracking the sun's path across the sky to maximise energy capture. Each reflector spans around 600 square feet, about the size of a typical two-bedroom apartment, and directs sunlight onto a fixed focus box, where water is converted into steam. This steam is then used to generate electricity and even cook meals in the on-site kitchen. "The integration of thermal storage systems allows the plant to produce electricity for 24 hours, with a current output of nearly 16,000 units of power daily, half of which is consumed by the Brahma Kumaris campus," he said. The genesis of the solar plant can be traced back to 1990, when German scientist Wolfgang Scheffler introduced a miniature version of the technology in India. His idea was to help local tribal communities cook without wood by harnessing solar steam, the spokesperson said. Inspired by his model, local engineers and researchers expanded the concept into a fully operational power station. With over Rs 80 crore invested and five years of construction, the plant stands today as a working model of sustainable and decentralised energy production. The spokesperson said researchers and students from across the world visit the site every year to study its operations. The project is hailed for being modular, cost-effective, and built with locally available materials. With easy maintenance and reliable long-term performance, experts believe it can be replicated in other parts of India that receive abundant sunlight. What makes this plant even more significant is its alignment with India's growing ambition to shift towards green energy, the spokesperson added.
Time of India
21-07-2025
- Science
- Time of India
Indo-German tech makes possible massive solar plant in Mount Abu
Jaipur: Tucked far away from the chaos of city grids and toxic fumes, in the serene hills of Mount Abu, a quiet energy revolution is unfolding. On the sprawling Shantivan campus of the Brahma Kumaris have been set up world's most ambitious solar kitchens. Here, every day, the India One Solar Thermal Power Plant powers preparation of fresh, hot vegetarian meals for up to 50,000 people with no electricity, firewood, or cooking gas. The plant, which began operations in 2017, is claimed to be the sole unit in the world which runs on solar thermal energy round-the-clock. Spread over 35 acres, the one-megawatt capacity solar plant is a product of a collaboration between India's Ministry of New and Renewable Energy , Germany's Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation, Building and Nuclear Safety, and the German Federal Enterprise for International Cooperation. "What makes the plant remarkable is that nearly 90 per cent of its components, including all 770 parabolic reflective dishes, were designed and manufactured in India by the Brahma Kumaris own team of engineers. Only the solar-grade mirrors were imported from the United States," a spokesperson of the Brahma Kumaris in Sirohi district said. He said that the parabolic reflectors are designed to mimic the movement of a sunflower, tracking the sun's path across the sky to maximise energy capture. Each reflector spans around 600 square feet, about the size of a typical two-bedroom apartment, and directs sunlight onto a fixed focus box, where water is converted into steam. This steam is then used to generate electricity and even cook meals in the on-site kitchen. "The integration of thermal storage systems allows the plant to produce electricity for 24 hours, with a current output of nearly 16,000 units of power daily, half of which is consumed by the Brahma Kumaris campus," he said. The genesis of the solar plant can be traced back to 1990, when German scientist Wolfgang Scheffler introduced a miniature version of the technology in India. His idea was to help local tribal communities cook without wood by harnessing solar steam, the spokesperson said. Inspired by his model, local engineers and researchers expanded the concept into a fully operational power station. With over Rs 80 crore invested and five years of construction, the plant stands today as a working model of sustainable and decentralised energy production. The spokesperson said researchers and students from across the world visit the site every year to study its operations. The project is hailed for being modular, cost-effective, and built with locally available materials. With easy maintenance and reliable long-term performance, experts believe it can be replicated in other parts of India that receive abundant sunlight. What makes this plant even more significant is its alignment with India's growing ambition to shift towards green energy, he added. PTI
News18
21-07-2025
- Science
- News18
Indo-German tech makes possible massive solar plant in Mount Abu
Jaipur, Jul 21 (PTI) Tucked far away from the chaos of city grids and toxic fumes, in the serene hills of Mount Abu, a quiet energy revolution is unfolding. On the sprawling Shantivan campus of the Brahma Kumaris have been set up world's most ambitious solar kitchens. Here, every day, the India One Solar Thermal Power Plant powers preparation of fresh, hot vegetarian meals for up to 50,000 people with no electricity, firewood, or cooking gas. The plant, which began operations in 2017, is claimed to be the sole unit in the world which runs on solar thermal energy round-the-clock. Spread over 35 acres, the one-megawatt capacity solar plant is a product of a collaboration between India's Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, Germany's Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation, Building and Nuclear Safety, and the German Federal Enterprise for International Cooperation. 'What makes the plant remarkable is that nearly 90 per cent of its components, including all 770 parabolic reflective dishes, were designed and manufactured in India by the Brahma Kumaris own team of engineers. Only the solar-grade mirrors were imported from the United States," a spokesperson of the Brahma Kumaris in Sirohi district said. He said that the parabolic reflectors are designed to mimic the movement of a sunflower, tracking the sun's path across the sky to maximise energy capture. Each reflector spans around 600 square feet, about the size of a typical two-bedroom apartment, and directs sunlight onto a fixed focus box, where water is converted into steam. This steam is then used to generate electricity and even cook meals in the on-site kitchen. 'The integration of thermal storage systems allows the plant to produce electricity for 24 hours, with a current output of nearly 16,000 units of power daily, half of which is consumed by the Brahma Kumaris campus," he said. The genesis of the solar plant can be traced back to 1990, when German scientist Wolfgang Scheffler introduced a miniature version of the technology in India. His idea was to help local tribal communities cook without wood by harnessing solar steam, the spokesperson said. Inspired by his model, local engineers and researchers expanded the concept into a fully operational power station. With over Rs 80 crore invested and five years of construction, the plant stands today as a working model of sustainable and decentralised energy production. The spokesperson said researchers and students from across the world visit the site every year to study its operations. The project is hailed for being modular, cost-effective, and built with locally available materials. With easy maintenance and reliable long-term performance, experts believe it can be replicated in other parts of India that receive abundant sunlight. What makes this plant even more significant is its alignment with India's growing ambition to shift towards green energy, he added. PTI AG VN VN view comments First Published: July 21, 2025, 16:00 IST Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
The Citizen
16-07-2025
- Health
- The Citizen
Alex residents find inner peace at Brahma Kumaris workshop
Residents of Alexandra came together at the ENS Office in Alex Mall for an empowering stress management and wellbeing workshop, organised by the Brahma Kumaris, a spiritual organisation dedicated to personal growth and inner peace. The workshop aimed to help attendees identify the root causes of stress, develop emotional resilience, and adopt practical techniques to navigate life's challenges with calm. Pratiba Daya, a senior member of the Brahma Kumaris, emphasised the importance of recognising stress triggers, many of which lie beyond an individual's control. She highlighted that while external challenges, including unemployment, rising alcoholism, and gender-based violence, weigh heavily on the community, individuals can still effect change within themselves. 'The workshop focused on building internal resilience and equipping people with coping tools they can cultivate within themselves. The key is transformation from within. Also read: Tackling gender-based violence in South African workplaces By breaking free from negative patterns, we can support those around us.' She emphasised that internal transformation creates a ripple effect, adding that when one person changes, it inspires others, ultimately impacting the wider community. A key highlight of the workshop was a presentation by Brahma Kumaris member Busi Dlamini, who introduced the SOS technique – Stop, Observe, Steer – as a practical tool for managing distress. Dlamini explained that reacting impulsively, or dwelling on uncontrollable circumstances, often exacerbates stress. 'Our thoughts shape our feelings, and our feelings determine our stress levels.' She explained that SOS helps one to pause, observe their thoughts, and steer them toward solutions within their control. Also read: Beyond capital, mental wellness matter She elaborated that stopping allows individuals to prevent runaway thoughts from spiralling into stress, and it creates a space to focus on actionable solutions. For attendees like Dolly Mafahle, an Ext 8 resident, the workshop was insightful. 'We're sick because of the challenges we face, but we didn't know that staying silent and applying the SOS rule could reduce our stress. Now, we understand that fighting doesn't solve anything. We've learned something new today that can truly help us.' For more information about future events in Alexandra, you can WhatsApp 066 495 1367 or email: [email protected]. Follow us on our Whatsapp channel, Facebook, X, Instagram, and TikTok for the latest updates and inspiration! Have a story idea? We'd love to hear from you – join our WhatsApp group and share your thoughts!
India Gazette
29-06-2025
- Politics
- India Gazette
Sacrifice & discipline are foundations of true patriotism: Sarbananda Sonowal
New Delhi [India], June 29 (ANI): Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways (MoPSW), Sarbananda Sonowal on Sunday attended the Golden Jubilee inaugural celebrations of the Prajapita Brahma Kumaris, praising the organisation's fifty years of selfless service rooted in spirituality, social harmony, and character building, the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways said in a release on Sunday. In his keynote address, he described the Brahma Kumaris as a 'transformative force' guiding society away from negativity and toward moral clarity through the power of meditation, human values, and spiritual discipline. 'For the last fifty years, the Prajapita Brahma Kumaris have nurtured not just individual souls but the very soul of our society,' said Sonowal. 'Their tireless service mirrors the vision of 'Antyodaya', the rise of the last person in the queue that Prime Minister Narendra Modi champions in his governance.' Sonowal noted how Prime Minister Modi's inclusive development model, driven by compassion, character, and empowerment of the marginalised, aligns with the values upheld by the Brahma Kumaris. 'Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas, Sabka Prayas is not merely a slogan, it is a spiritual commitment toward unity and upliftment,' Sonowal said in a statement. 'Sacrifice, patience, and moral Strength are the pillars of a strong nation,' he said. Drawing parallels between maternal virtues and national character, Sonowal said, 'Just as a mother moulds a child with patience and values, organisations like the Brahma Kumaris shape society by nurturing character, self-discipline, and self-realisation.' He emphasised that sacrifice and discipline are not old-fashioned ideals but timeless virtues that lay the foundation for true patriotism and national pride. Reiterating the need to guide today's youth amid rapid technological and societal changes, Sonowal observed, 'In today's world, where patience is often tested and values are constantly challenged, the one who possesses Sahan shakti, the strength of endurance, is our Maha Shakti.' Union Minister Sonowal expressed his gratitude to the organisation for including him among such noble company and acknowledged the Northeast's growing spiritual and developmental importance in India's national vision. 'Prime Minister Modi has described the Northeast as Ashta Lakshmi--eight embodiments of prosperity. And I believe this region will lead not just in economic growth but in spiritual and moral leadership as well,' said Sonowal. Union Minister Sonowal praised the Brahma Kumaris for their unwavering mission of character building, national unity, and spiritual guidance. 'If we move forward guided by these principles, we can truly build a strong, united, and morally empowered Maha-Bharat.' (ANI)
