The lockdown experience has completely transformed the way Upendra Tripathy functions. In fact, the former bureaucrat is thoroughly enjoying the new routine that he has got used to since March 25, when the nationwide lockdown came into effect.
A former secretary, Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, Government of India, Tripathy is currently Director General of the Delhi-headquartered International Solar Alliance (ISA), which has 86 UN member countries as its signatories.
“Our mission is to see a world powered by solar energy and we are striving to bring down the cost of capital and technology so that at least $1000 billion comes as investment to our member countries by 2030,” Tripathy spells out ISA’s mission.
Even as the COVID-19 pandemic sweeps through the world, it’s business as usual for Tripathy in pursuit of his lofty goal. His office is virtually “in my palm”, as all meetings and office work are conducted through his iPhone.
“This system of working from home is much less stressful, more productive, more employee-friendly as well as carbon-friendly. The air quality is better and the night sky is visible and clear,” points out Tripathy, wondering whether they should at all go back to the previous system.
An alumni of Ravenshaw College in Odisha, Tripathy counted more positives. “We get more time to do exercises and yoga at home. I get time to scribble poems too. I also like watching History channel’s episodes of past civilizations. And of course, I connect a lot with friends from Ravenshaw and JNU,” Tripathy said.
Some of his colleagues have returned to their respective countries but they stay connected through video conferencing. Proposals and procurements are done via emails and ERPs.
All this, he feels, have resulted in higher efficiency as things are getting done much faster.
His son studies at Columbia University in New York City, a COVID-19 hotspot, while his daughter works in Bangalore. “These are tough times for everyone, everywhere. We all share our joys and concerns, and are perhaps closer than ever before. It’s such a humbling feeling that an invisible virus can paralyze mighty mankind so effortlessly and so unpredictably,” Tripathy signs off.
