Sachin Shigwan

Meet Sachin Shigwan, a Social Entrepreneur, CSR Consultant and The Director of the Green India Initiative, also known as ‘The Solar Man of India’.

He has pursued his MBA in Social Entrepreneurship from NMIMS, Mumbai and also recipient of Honorary Doctorate in Rural Development through Solar Energy.

During his interview with Ms venture, Mr. Sachin Shigwan shares his humble journey from being a social enthusiast to becoming The Solar Man of India- “Back in 2009, I made visit to rural villages as part of a Rotary Club community development initiative. During the visit, I observed that students in these villages were studying under the dim light of kerosene lamps, evoking my childhood nostalgia. From then, I took an initiative of distributing solar powered lanterns to the underprivileged school students and since 2009, I started getting recognized within all stakeholders as ‘The Solar Man of India’. This revelation ignited a sense of satisfaction within me, inspiring the formation of the Green India Initiative in 2014– a for-profit social enterprise, aiming for rural electrification through renewable energy projects. To date, the Green India Initiative Private Limited (GIIPL) has impacted over 1 Lakh+ beneficiaries and reduced carbon emissions by over 2100+ tons. Our vision is to channelize the appropriate investment towards the advancement of our country, beneficiary development, and environmental up-gradation through renewable energies. Our Mission is to electrify 1000 villages and facilitate energy access to more than one million underprivileged rural citizens by 2025. Till date, Green India Initiative has developed more than 650+ villages PAN India.”

He also encountered significant challenges in the nascent stages of the Green India Initiative. His groundbreaking vision faced scepticism in a market unfamiliar with his concept. The corporate sector, where GIIPL aimed to realize its vision and mission, was a tough market to crack without prior experience. Over time, through gradual progress and significant leaps, Mr. Sachin secured numerous CSR projects that contributed to the development of rural India. In addition to the initial scepticism, evolving government regulations and the disruptions brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic presented additional hurdles. Despite these challenges, Mr. Sachin adeptly managed his business and continued to focus on the welfare of those in need. With unwavering support from his mother and a friend who believed in his entrepreneurial journey, he persevered.

Sachin Shigwan drew inspiration from his mother’s teachings and mentor, Deepak Gadhia, known as the “Father of Thermal Solar.” His mother’s guidance instilled resilience, while his mentor transformed his perspective, steering him towards social entrepreneurship. Motivated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s initiatives for a self-reliant India, Sachin saw an opportunity to contribute to the nation’s growth and development through his business ventures.

Other than GIIPL, the Gram Energy Project, has made significant strides in improving rural electrification. This initiative has not only provided street lighting systems but also contributed to school infrastructure, water lifting facilities, potable water arrangements, and livelihood opportunities, all powered by solar energy. His Another groundbreaking initiative is the Employee Solar Engagement Program (ESEP), which educates corporate employees about clean and green energy, urging them to discard kerosene lamps from the lives of underprivileged individuals. This program has witnessed over 120 workshops and trained more than 10,000 beneficiaries, marking a significant step towards environmental protection and a reduced carbon footprint. Adding to his achievements, Sachin Shigwan has been awarded Karamveer Puraskar - Advertising 2010 by Icongo, New Delhi, India Icon Awards 2023 by Blindwink, Dr. Shirin Gadhai Sustainability Award 2014 by ICNEER, Baroda, Social Entrepreneur of The Year 2023 by ADGP Dr. Ravinder Singal (IPS) etc. He has been Record Holder title from World Book of Record, London and India World Record. He has also been recognized by TEDx at TEDx BHIS Kanpur 2022, Top most Green Leaders (Global) 2022 by a World CSR Congress, India’s 100 Future Leaders 2023 by Glantor X, Sustainability Champion by Sustainable Champion 2021, etc.

Professionally, Mr. Sachin Shigwan dedicated himself to environmental and educational initiatives, focusing on enhancing educational opportunities for rural school children in India and raising awareness about environmental issues. His role as a social entrepreneur is commendable for his dedication to addressing the challenges faced by rural communities through innovative and sustainable solutions. ‘The Solar Man of India’s role extends beyond the Green India Initiative. He is also a sought-after CSR consultant, helping corporations execute impactful projects that align with their values and stakeholder expectations. His expertise in integrating CSR into organizations' operations has made a significant difference in numerous areas, creating a positive impact on society. His forward-looking approach underlines his commitment to sustainability and innovation.

He became successful not only because of his hard work but also, because of his soft-heartedness towards others. His kind heart and good deeds has helped many youngsters to get motivated with him. He has motivated a number of people with his work. His determination, dedication and constant thrust for achieving something the highest in life became the reasons for his successful life. 

Best wishes from his side and he welcomes you to join his page to illuminate his inspiring journey how one person can also make a world of difference.

The team of Ms venture wishes him best of luck for his future endeavours.