KSBDB / KSBDB

Karnataka State Bioenergy Development Board (KSBDB) Chairman S.E. Sudheendra has sought to expand international collaboration in clean energy and bioenergy during his discussions with Maryland Gov. Wes Moore, technocrat Sam Pitroda and members of the Indian American community.

During a high-level meeting with Moore in Washington, D.C., Sudheendra discussed potential cooperation between Karnataka and Maryland in bioenergy, compressed biogas (CBG), biodiesel, green hydrogen and sustainable aviation fuel (SAF).

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Gov. Moore highlighted the importance of biofuels in addressing global energy and climate challenges and expressed interest in partnering with Karnataka.

Sudheendra highlighted Karnataka's efforts to convert agricultural residues and biomass into clean energy, creating opportunities in energy security, rural development, research, innovation and investment. On behalf of the Karnataka chief minister, he invited Moore and a delegation from Maryland to visit the state and explore potential areas of collaboration.

The meeting was attended by ATA President Jayanth Challa, industrialist Ravi Puli, entrepreneur Murali Krishna, members of the Telugu American community and Washington-based business leaders.

During his U.S. visit, Sudheendra also met Sam Pitroda, widely regarded as the architect of India's telecommunications and information technology revolution, at his residence in Chicago. Their discussions covered India's technological development, sustainable development, clean energy and the future of bioenergy, according to a KSBDB press note.

Pitroda, also the chairman of Indian Overseas Congress, spoke about India's telecommunications and technology journey.

He emphasized that India's vast botanical wealth and traditional knowledge preserved by Indigenous communities should be scientifically studied, validated, documented and shared globally rather than being lost with passing generations, the press note said.

He highlighted the immense potential of India's biodiversity in contributing to sustainable development and innovation. He also exchanged views on agroforestry with Dr. Shiju Sebastian, adviser to the chairman, discussing opportunities for integrating sustainable agricultural practices with environmental conservation. The conversation further focused on municipal solid waste management, ecological conservation, sustainable agriculture and the need to address environmental challenges that continue to affect rural and backward regions of the country.

Pitroda stressed that scientific planning and technological innovation could significantly improve livelihoods while protecting natural resources.

Highlighting the growing importance of renewable energy, Sam Pitroda underscored that clean energy is the need of the hour.

He noted that expanding the bioenergy sector would not only accelerate economic growth but also strengthen the entire bioenergy value chain, generate employment opportunities, promote sustainable waste management and contribute to Karnataka's long-term environmental and developmental goals.

The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to promoting innovation, sustainability and technology-driven development for the benefit of future generations, reinforcing the importance of collaboration between scientific leadership and public policy in building a greener and more prosperous India, according to the press note.

The KSBDB chairman also visited Rajdhani Mandir in Virginia, where he participated in an Ammoru Pooja, a traditional South Indian ritual dedicated to the fierce and protective Mother Goddess (Ammavaru or Shakti), often performed to seek health, rain and protection from illnesses. He also interacted with Kannadiga and Indian American community members.

Speaking to the community members, he also used the occasion to create awareness about the work of KSBDB in the bioenergy sector, particularly the environmental and health hazards posed by the unsafe disposal and recycling of used cooking oil, and Karnataka's initiatives in converting such waste into biodiesel. He urged members of the community to spread awareness on responsible disposal practices among their circles, both in the United States and back home in India.

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