Dr. Sachin Shigwan
Dr. Sachin Yashwant Shigwan, born on 11th February 1983 in Mumbai, is a trailblazing social entrepreneur widely celebrated as The Solar Man of India. As the Founder and Director of Green India Initiative Pvt. Ltd., Dr. Shigwan has dedicated his life to uplifting rural communities through the power of solar energy. His inspiring journey from studying under kerosene lamps to lighting up over 550 villages showcases the true spirit of sustainable social innovation.
Early Life and Education
Sachin Shigwan was born to Mr. Yashwant Shigwan and Mrs. Drupada Shigwan. Raised in a humble middle-class family, he completed his schooling at Sane Guruji Aarogya Mandir, Mumbai, and graduated in Commerce from Mumbai University. Later, he pursued an MBA in Social Entrepreneurship from the prestigious Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies (NMIMS) in Mumbai.
Dr. Shigwan's early exposure to the struggles of rural life instilled in him a deep sense of responsibility and a passion for social entrepreneurship.
Family Background
Sachin Shigwan resides with his family comprising his mother, younger brother, sister-in-law, and niece. Coming from a farmer’s background, his success journey is a tribute to his mother's unwavering support, despite her limited education. She remains his first mentor, fostering his confidence and resilience in the face of life's challenges.
Career and Green India Initiative
Dr. Shigwan’s career took a pivotal turn in 2009 during a Rotary Club initiative where he observed rural students struggling with kerosene lamps, a reality he had once lived. This fueled his resolve to find sustainable energy solutions, leading to the birth of Green India Initiative Pvt. Ltd.
His mission is clear and ambitious: **to light up 1000 villages by 2025** using solar energy. Under his leadership, the organization offers:
- **Solar Off-Grid and On-Grid Systems** for continuous free solar power
- **Solar Street Lights** to enhance rural safety
- **Solar Water Pump Systems** addressing water scarcity
- **Solar Water Filtration Systems** providing potable water
- **Solar Cookers** promoting clean cooking
Educational Advancement through Solar Energy
Solar energy plays a vital role in enhancing educational infrastructure. Anganwadis, Zilla Parishad Schools, Ashram Schools, and Colleges across rural India benefit from solar installations, significantly reducing operational costs and ensuring uninterrupted learning environments.
Water Provision Initiatives
Water scarcity is a pressing issue in rural India. Sachin Shigwan’s initiative deploys solar-powered water pumps and filtration systems, eliminating the burdensome task of women traveling miles for water and ensuring access to safe drinking water.
Livelihood Creation with Solar Solutions
Going beyond energy access, Green India Initiative empowers rural populations through livelihood opportunities. Solar-powered equipment such as:
- Incense stick-making machines
- Dhup Vati making machines
- Spice grinding machines
- Wheat grinding machines
These tools enhance self-sufficiency and economic resilience in remote communities.
Awards and Recognitions
Over the years, Dr. Sachin Shigwan has earned numerous accolades for his unwavering commitment:
- 2010: Professional Citizen Karmaveer Puraskar – Icongo
- 2014: Dr. Shirin Gadhia Sustainability Award – Eco Center ICNEER
- 2021: Sustainability Champion – Sustainable Champions
- 2021: Earth Champions – Sony BBC Earth
- 2022: Top Most Green Leaders Award (Global) – World CSR Congress
- 2022: TEDx Speaker – TEDx BHIS Kanpur
- 2023: India Icon Awards – Blindwink
- 2023: India's 100 Future Leaders – GlantorX
- 2023: Earth Day Network Star – Earthday.org
- 2023: Social Entrepreneur of the Year – MBANCE
- 2023: Record holder at India's World Record – IWR Foundation
- 2023: World Record Holder – World Book of Records, London
Legacy and Vision
Dr. Sachin Shigwan envisions a greener, more equitable India where every village is self-sufficient in energy. His initiatives have already equipped over 550 villages, bringing tangible improvements in education, healthcare, livelihoods, and community resilience.
Social Links
- Earth Day Network - Earth Champions
- TEDx BHIS Kanpur Speaker Profile
- World Book of Records, London Official Site
- India's 100 Future Leaders - GlantorX
- India Icon Awards by Blindwink