Energy Swaraj Yatra
An 11-year journey to awaken a billion people for climate correction
The Energy Swaraj Yatra is not just a campaign — it is a living movement on wheels. Launched in 2020 by Prof. Chetan Singh Solanki, a solar-powered bus yatra has been travelling across India, turning every school, college, office, and street corner into a classroom of climate awareness. It is a moving university of finite living, carrying with it not just technology, but the philosophy, practice, and urgency of climate correction.
The journey continues with Energy Swaraj Yatra 2.0 (November–December) as Prof. Solanki and the Energy Swaraj Foundation team travel across Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Kerala, spreading the message of Living in Harmony with the Planet.
Check the schedule (by clicking on the place in the left side image) — and if we’re coming to your city, join us in this movement for a sustainable future!
The Pledge
11 Years. No Home. No Return. Only Climate Correction.
Prof. Chetan Singh Solanki, known as the Solar Man of India, made an unprecedented pledge: to leave behind his home and job at IIT Bombay, and not return home until 2030. For 11 years, he has committed to live in this solar bus, walking the path he preaches — a path of sacrifice, finite living, and unwavering urgency.
The pledge carries a message larger than one man’s sacrifice: if climate change is the greatest crisis of our time, then our actions must be equally extraordinary.
The Solar Bus — A Moving School of Climate Correction
The Energy Swaraj Yatra travels in a specially designed, solar-powered bus. This bus is more than a vehicle; it is a living example of finite living:
- Runs entirely on solar energy.
- Contains living quarters for Prof. Solanki, embodying his pledge to live away from home.
- Doubles as a classroom, equipped with exhibits, displays, and training space.
- Every stop transforms into a local hub of awareness, dialogue, and action.
It is a rolling university of climate correction — bringing the philosophy of finite living directly to people’s doorsteps.
Do watch “Solar Bus ki Atmakatha” that narrates its journey and observations from various cities, expressing concern over the current climate situation. Despite people’s awareness of climate issues, the Solar Bus notes their struggle to take effective action.
Impact So Far
68,000+
Traveled(KM)
1,600+
Talks Delivered
4,00,000+
People Reached
Be Part of the Yatra
Do you want to be a part of the movement for sustainable living and inspire change in your community/school, or university? Invite/Join the Energy Swaraj Yatra and turn your space into a hub of awareness.
Invite the Yatra
Want the solar bus to visit your school, college, company, or city?
Join the Yatra
Volunteer, support, or walk alongside the bus when it visits your city.
Spread the Message
Watch, share, and amplify Yatra stories on our YouTube channel & social media.
Invite the Yatra
Bring climate education to your doorstep — host the Energy Swaraj Yatra and turn your space into a hub of awareness. Do you want to be the part of the movement for sustainable living and inspire change in your community/school or university? Join Now!
Stories from the Road
Every stop of the Yatra carries a story of hope and transformation. Each story reflects that finite living is possible, and together, we can correct the climate.
A women-run solar factory in Dungarpur, Rajasthan, showing how energy can empower communities.
Indore’s collective action, saving crores of units of electricity, proving cities can correct climate through behavior change
A 9th-grade student leading the global launch of FEM, symbolising the power of youth as torchbearers of climate action.
Our Sponsors
We extend our deepest gratitude to our sponsors for their invaluable support. Your contribution has been instrumental in powering the Energy Swaraj Yatra and amplifying our mission to spread climate awareness across the nation.
About Founder
Prof. Chetan Singh Solanki is a distinguished educator, researcher, innovator, and a certified teacher of the Art of Living's Happiness program. Currently, he is on unpaid leave from IIT Bombay. Since November 2020, he has embarked on the Energy Swaraj Yatra, a remarkable 11-year journey aboard a solar bus, set to continue until 2030 with a pledge to not return home throughout this entire duration.
The Government of Madhya Pradesh has also honored him as the Brand Ambassador of Solar Energy. Furthermore, he is affectionately referred to as the "Solar Man of India" by renowned publications like Times of India, The Hindu, and India Today, and some even hail him as "Solar Gandhi." Embodying the principles of Mahatma Gandhi, Prof. Solanki has introduced the concept of 'Energy Swaraj' and established the Energy Swaraj Foundation (ESF) to foster energy independence globally.