Prof. V K Vijay

Professor Virendra Kumar Vijay is a remarkable figure whose dedication to rural development and sustainable energy has left an indelible mark on India. As the National Coordinator of the Unnat Bharat Abhiyan (UBA) at IIT Delhi, he has been instrumental in shaping a nationwide program that bridges the gap between higher educational institutions and rural India.

Visionary Leadership in Rural Development (Unnat Bharat Abhiyan)

Prof. Vijay championed the concept and vision of the Unnat Bharat Abhiyan—a transformative initiative adopted by the Ministry of Education, Government of India. This program leverages the knowledge and resources of higher education to drive inclusive development in rural communities. By spearheading UBA, he has fostered a socially relevant academic environment, encouraging students and faculty to engage in experiential learning that directly contributes to the nation's self-reliance (Atmanirbhar Bharat). His leadership has helped expand the network to thousands of participating institutes, impacting the lives of countless villagers across various sectors, including organic agriculture, rural energy, water management, and healthcare.

Pioneering Compressed Bio Gas (CBG) Technology

An accomplished innovator, Prof. Vijay is internationally known for his expertise in biogas and rural technologies. His most significant technological contribution is the development of a cost-effective, small-scale water scrubbing system for biogas upgradation and bottling, an innovation that paved the way for Compressed Biogas (CBG). He is credited with coining the name "CBG" and promoting the concept, which was subsequently adopted by the Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas, Government of India, into a national program. This pioneering work has been key to:

•Sustainable Energy: Providing a viable, renewable fuel source.

•Waste Management: Utilizing organic, urban, and industrial waste for energy production.

•Rural Economy: Licensing the patented technology to industries, cow shelters (Gaushalas), and entrepreneurs, fostering rural employment and decentralized CBG production.

•Vehicular Application: Demonstrating the practical use of CBG by operating a car on the fuel for years, accumulating significant mileage and influencing the creation of biomethane standards.

Through his dual roles as the UBA Coordinator and a leading researcher in biogas, Prof. V.K. Vijay exemplifies the power of academic excellence directed toward national and social good. His contributions have not only advanced sustainable energy but have also created a robust framework for inclusive rural upliftment.