Chetan Singh Solanki, widely recognized as the Solar Man of India or Solar Gandhi, found himself in the spotlight after a photo of him wearing torn socks in a luxury hotel in New Delhi circulated on social media. In response, Solanki explained the backstory to the photo, revealing that it was taken before his speech at The Economic Times Energy Leadership Summit in September. Despite being able to afford new socks, Solanki chose to wear the torn ones as a conscious decision to draw attention to the finite nature of resources and the importance of reducing waste.
Having dedicated over two decades to teaching at IIT Bombay, Solanki has made it his mission to raise awareness about environmental degradation and promote sustainable practices, particularly in the field of solar energy. His commitment to sustainability extends beyond just his choice of attire, as he emphasized the need to use resources efficiently and minimize his carbon footprint. Solanki's post on social media not only showcased his personal ethos but also sparked a conversation about the broader implications of consumerism and its impact on the environment.