Prof. Shridhar Sadashiv Lokras (Lokras Ji)

Lokras ji passed away today (22/11/2016) in his home town of chindwada, MP.

LokrasJi had a simple, unassuming personality, but a steely determination to serve the needs of the people using his technical insights. The innovative wood-burning stoves developed in his group, based on optimized heat transfer designs, have an overall energy conversion efficiency of 35-38%, as opposed to 5% for conventional wood stoves and is similar to the efficiency of LPG stoves (~40%). Apart from being energy-efficient; these stoves reduce pollution levels, and are easily assembled using locally available materials.

Not satisfied with these technological innovations, he dedicated his entire life to disseminate these results to the people. He didn't patent any of his innovations, and successfully transferred his knowledge through several training programs. He was highly-regarded by his peers for his work, and received wider acclaim recently. Not one to rest on his laurels, he was still keen on spreading awareness about these eco-friendly biomass stoves across the country.

The impact of his research on the lives of people is palpable, and does not require any 'massaging'. He spread the light of technology and illuminated the lives of several millions of our countrymen.

His research and his life is an inspiration to us; remembering it will certainly keep us 'honest' in our academic journey.