The President of India, Shri Pranab Mukherjee inaugurated the National Energy Conservation Day 2012 today (December 14, 2012) at Vigyan Bhavan.

Speaking on the occasion, the President said that sustainable development mandates the use of available natural resources in a more efficient way. He stated that we have to, accordingly, promote universal access to energy, while, at the same time, promoting energy efficiency. A shift to cleaner energy sources is, thus, imperative, he added.

The President said that there must be increased understanding of the fact that the path to a more sustainable future would require our society to make a better balance between its energy consumption vis- a-vis cost and availability. He congratulated the award winners from various industries for working together with the Government in its endeavour to promote sustainable development.

The President stated that climate change is a threat but also a unique opportunity to work together. As a developing country on the frontlines of climate vulnerability, India has a vital stake in the evolution of a successful, rule-based, equitable and multilateral response to climate change, he said.

On the occasion, the President conferred the National Energy Conservation Awards 2012. He also presented prizes to the winners of a National Level Painting Competition.

Shri Jyotiraditya M Scindia, Minister of State for Power (Independent Charge), Shri P Uma Shankar, Secretary, Ministry of Power and Smt. Jyoti Arora, Director General, Bureau of Energy Efficiency were also present on the occasion.

This release issued at 1845 hrs