Welcome Address by Ms Leena Mehendale OCF 2003

Winrock International India newsletter
Burn Calories, Not Fossil Fuel

As one entered the Talkatora Indoor Stadium in New Delhi on 15th January 2003, what certainly left you numb was the echoes of over 3,000 school students shouting slogans of oil conservation in unison.
The Oil Conservation Fortnight (OCF), an annual event of the Petroleum Conservation Research Association (PCRA) was inaugurated on 15 January 2003 in various cities all over the country. In Delhi, the event was kicked off by a Welcome Address by Ms Leena Mehendale, Executive Director, PCRA, who reinforced the importance and effectiveness of PCRA’s role in promoting oil conservation in the country, since its inception in the year 1976.
Dr Sahib Singh Verma, Hon. Union Minister of Labor, GOI, inaugurated the event and with a beaming smile emphasized the importance of each individual’s efforts in (howsoever minute) promoting oil conservation. He also stated that "Over two-thirds of our petroleum requirement is imported; this amounts to over Rs 70,000 crores, which we have to pay in foreign currency. As a suggestion, if we can save a tenth of this amount, that is Rs 7,000 crores, then we can provide all the necessary amenities such as electricity, water, education, etc. in several villages across India."
This was followed by a unique expression of unity and solidarity as over one thousand students joined hands with each other and led by Dr Verma, formed a Human Chain enveloping the entire stadium. The officials of PCRA, MPNG and other petroleum companies like Indian Oil, Hindustan Petroleum, IBP and Bharat Petroleum were also roped into the chain, leaving smiles on everyone’s faces.
The Honorable Minister was then ushered outside the Stadium where he flagged off the PCRA Publicity Van. This is a well-equipped Van, which will travel in and around the vicinity of Delhi spreading the message of oil conservation during the fortnight.
The Inaugural event of PCRA’s OCF ended with lip-smacking snacks for the children and the various officials and guests present. Indeed a day to remember!
Similar activities were undertaken in various cities all over India. PCRA conducted various activities from January 15-31, 2003. These involved students from various schools in quizzes, debates, essay competitions, street-plays, and painting competitions. The launch of the Publicity Van and the installation of banners to arouse the interest of children and the youth on the subject were also some key activities.
For more information on PCRA, look up http://www.pcra.org
PCRA initiated the ‘Oil Conservation Week’ in 1991, which has now grown to the ‘Oil Conservation Fortnight’ since 1997.

Supported by:The Ministry of Non-Conventional Energy Sources (MNES), Government of India
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Editor: Anita Khuller Sub-editor: Pritika Kalra
Published by: Winrock International India (WII)A registered non-governmental organization (NGO), WII emphasizes the development of local institutions, leadership and human resources. Efforts focus on Clean Energy & Environment, Natural Resources Management, and Climate Change.
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