We are moving with giant strides toward the post-petroleum era. In this age of gross energy shortage when the dynamics of oil prices seem to control the barometer of global economy and politics and the destiny of human kind in general, the issue of energy conservation holds special significance. And the issue becomes even more serious as you consider it in the backdrop of the conditions of several developing countries.

Consider the case of India—the world’s largest democracy, a future economic superpower, a world IT hub and outsourcing giant—is also one of the most polluted countries in the world, where most of the air pollution is caused by vehicular emissions.

However, this emerging Asian superpower seems to be hell-bent on improving her image on the environmental arena as she lures the foreign investors. The Petroleum and Natural Gas Ministry seems to find the solution in the building up of mass awareness and organizes Oil and Gas Conservation Fortnight to be continued till 31st of January.

An innovative feature of the fortnight long program is the participation of the school children. In all the big cities including the country’s cyber capital, Bangalore, special programs have been drawn to educate the school children in conservation and sensible usage of petroleum products. Initiatives were taken by the Petroleum Conservation Research Association officials to make children take pledges for conservation of non-renewable energy resources.

The Indian President in the recent past stressed on the importance of alternative fuel sources and he invited the nation to plant jatropha curcas plants to tap the energy source of biodiesel.

The Science and Technology Minister Kapil Sibal echoed the president while delivering his speech in the Petrotech conference in New Delhi. He stressed on the exploration of Biomass, jatropha, gas hydrates and various other sources of energy to cope with the future fossil-based energy shortage. He also acknowledged the utility of electric vehicle as a cost-effective solution to the air pollution created by the traditional vehicles.

In the battle against environmental degradation, the Indian high school children are being encouraged to set up their eco-clubs. Grants from foreign countries like Norway are being utilized to fund these awareness programs.

India seems to take a green route towards development. Being the home of world’s largest youth population, the country seems to adopt just the perfect strategy…inculcating the sense of responsibility in the sensible souls; after all the future of the world belongs to them and they should know how to make it beautiful.