Eco India: A retired Botany professor in the city of Pune has never used electricity in her life

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Every week, Eco India brings you stories of innovations from across India and Europe, and the people who make them possible. Our top story this week looks at how a Pune-based professor has shunned the use electricity, for environmental reason, for over seven decades.
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CREDITS:
Supervising Producer: Nooshin Mowla
Director of Photography: Mohammad Ismail Shaikh
Video Editor: Sujit Lad
Field Producers: Arun Nair, Manasi Phadnis
Assistant Producers: Shibika Suresh. Sadhna Singh
Researcher: James Roy
Script & Executive Producer: Sannuta Raghu
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Eco India is a co-production between DW and Scroll.in. You can watch the full episodes on scroll.in/ecoindia
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[@vaibhavsharma6025]

The irony is that we need electricity to watch this video

[@thomasranjit7781]

U can generate free energy, google Tesla energy..

[@4647540]

Yeah.......🤘

[@manasachowdary2018]

U R rite....

[@rajivmvg]

That is so true

[@bobminion3438]

@@thomasranjit7781 there is nothing like free energy. Don't be a fool.

[@Arunjeet_Singh]

The UN must invite her for a talk in General Assembly. She should become an ambassador for Sustainable living.

[@nishant1877]

Living in dark is not sustainable

[@LMD11]

@@nishant1877 she is not in dark

[@Wortzilla]

Sophomores

[@fusedart]

Nop. Not without electricity. Because she did doesnt mean the whole country needs to go without electricity

[@priyakulkarni9583]

arunjeet singh , Sardar head is acting up again!! What a shame ! She should be given free electricity rest of her life and a iPad!!! There is no proudness in it now. It was great that she grew up with meager luxuries. Preserving to the future generation by disrespecting herself is a deep routed poverty within her and deep obscurity she ingrained. She seems to be rich with her poverty of life!!! Stupid sons and daughters should be shameful! She deserves better and it is wrongful to appreciate her poverty living by selfish relatives. Sinful kids of her. Dirty living is sign of her deep rooted poverty within her, a disease that needs treatment. She need psychological counseling right away!

[@mridang2064]

She speaks better English than most graduates in India. Lovely to see actual educated empowered strong women. Salute to you ma'am.

[@parthasarathiMajee]

She is a PhD

[@KrishnaSingh-vq2lb]

Amazed to see the parameters of education in india is good speaking skill then i think alia bhat and actress like ananya pandey type of convent school product is consider as highly educated people.Great view india need people like you.

[@mridang2064]

@@KrishnaSingh-vq2lb No I don't think that's the parameter for judging someone to be educated, bollyshitwood sucks as# and I consider them to be the dumbest individuals coming out of our film industry. I was referring her to be educated because of what she did , not for speaking english , but speaking perfect english at that age is something to be admired too y'know ? Nothing wrong in that.

[@aniruddhakaryekar2390]

मैडम वनस्पतीशास्त्राच्या विभाग प्रमुख होत्या त्यांना लेक्चर्स अिंग्रजीतून| द्यायची किमान ३० वर्षाची सवय आहे । पदवीधरांना ती नसते। आजचं इंग्रजी काय शुध्द आहे ? इंग्रजीबाबत त्याचा अपमान करू नका ।

[@aniruddhakaryekar2390]

@@KrishnaSingh-vq2lb मैडम टिचर होत्या व डॉक्टरेट आहे तुझी आलिया भट शिकली किती? तिची तुलना करू नकोस मैडमशी ।

[@TheBlackroase]

I always meet her in morning and have good conversation about environment

[@yendamurilavanya480]

Where does she stay?? Can u please tell me

[@TheBlackroase]

@@yendamurilavanya480 she stay near jogeshwari near sheetla Devi mandir excat

[@kmetkar1]

Thanks for sharing address....m planning to meet her. @manasi gaikwad

[@TheBlackroase]

@Shivam Sharma yes now she stay alone .her brother was staying with her now he is no more .and she is unmarried

[@alokkumarchauhan3305]

You are lucky

[@nachiketmirkar4653]

Two lessons i learned from respected hema sane and her self spoken words of wisdom: 1: Everyone should have their own ideas how to live life. I cannot say or stand that my idea is the ideal one. I dont have any tall claims at all. My life is like this. I like it. *Live life on your own terms irrespective of whether the society, family likes it or not.* Secondly 2 : interviewer : given a chance would you change anything ? Hema sane : _after a moment of silence_ in marathi "* challai te chan challai *" - meaning (whats going on is going great) The acceptance and adoration and fully embracing the path you've choosen. one example is this beautiful lady. My wholehearted respect and salute to you maam. 😊 ❤️

[@pranavkhedekar6727]

You got my respects man!!

[@himantasaikia8724]

The best review!

[@krishnanayak8968]

😌💝🙏⚘

[@drrameshshrink]

If what she says is final, then why are prophets born time to time. Even Buddha and Mohammed were here to help in evolution, and if she is supporting stagnancy, that everyone has his/her own way, she may be peaceful but so does think this Delusional society, that they are right too and what is the difference? She just chose a different fashion for herself like Gandhi out of her beliefs, but not proposing a evolution like karma yogis such as Subhash Chandra Bose or Bala Gangadhar Tilak or Sarvepalli Radha Krishna etc

[@Ulhaskdev]

Well said... It's the universal truth. TODAY AND PRESENT IS THE ONLY TRUTH . live your life how you want and not how other's want you to live. Individual happiness is success.

[@maheshfunde6950]

She is writing books at this age. Such an inspiration to Young generation

[@dikshitabaruah397]

I got a little teary eyed when I imaged how she must have been when she was young. a young girl of 20 years of full of ambition and imagination. seeking to gain knowledge. wow

[@abdulhadimalik3312]

N I know how criticism she had to face by her colleagues during her entire life for having different and out of the box views .

[@hrithikmishra3562]

And then there's tiktok generation. This is a great lady in front of my head bows down in respect. I will surely change my lifestyle from now on and be more aware to save natural resources.

[@yashagrawal88]

Yes, we should do that. Please support - facebook.com/Say-no-to-air-conditioning-for-our-environment-1672383069690705/ :)

[@amanraja9216]

there is no need to change your lifestyle.

[@biswadeepramchiary3313]

LMAO!

[@sudi93]

🤦🏻‍♂️ tiktok

[@YouKnowUAreRight]

@@amanraja9216 what do you mean?

[@roshanviscoro4136]

Not all heros wear cape.

[@DipanwitaDas9]

Some wear saree.

[@pahwasaki9389]

@@DipanwitaDas9 and blouse

[@KULDEEPSINGH-wd9yp]

None does not even kailash satyarthi

[@VindasDigital]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/d2Wtl4eebqyqi80

[@thalemlak7086]

Ah!!! Owl city❤

[@hoangkybactien7207]

Outwardly she is very humble. Inwardly she is very rich in wisdom. Her conversation with the interviewer shows that. India never fails to produce fascinating stories. I wish her good health and happiness every day. 😊

[@jyotivyas9286]

She is Light🙏🙏🙏🌞🌞🌞🔥🔥🔥🏹🏹🏹⚖️⚖️⚖️🌕🌕🌕..in... Itself

[@sudhanshumall3999]

Her modesty when she says "I don't claim that my way of living is ideal, it's what I like" just opened my eyes that how we always try to find the perfect way to do any, even live our life, while there is only one way that is live at your own means!

[@kanapamei2085]

Most awesome about this lady is that she doesn't wear spectacles at 79..... but me , -4 at 20yrs😎

[@NoneOfTheAbove123]

That's heritable.

[@alibin8390]

Its -9 bro at 28......what a irony....

[@Rohankumar-dd2ss]

-6 at 20 years

[@KPlyf]

Led light is pure poison, please research....

[@psaiprateek1417]

If this comment thread was about size of penis then you'll have no dick.

[@preethamnk]

Isn't it sad that we are so surprised and impressed that she speaks English? Probably so many intellectuals who don't speak English will all go unnoticed. Shame on us :(

[@BCS_KshitizRanjan]

You stole my words man...

[@AP-sj4fp]

Exactly

[@pinrayi7909]

It's in the mind. One should at least know the language where that person belongs too. If we see such person a lesser person because he/she can't speak English then it's our fault. I at least do not care if anyone in India speaks or does not speaks English.

[@prithishnath3614]

Sadly some people have taken English as a tool to measure intellect.

[@srinivaspavan162]

This goes to them grammar Nazis as well

[@rajeshwarithakur7143]

I salute you mam. People who used to say you are dirty lady , i feel pity for those losers. They didn't understand that you are a tree, full of fruits of knowledge . Lots of love and blessings for a great teacher. 🙏.

[@sunitha2743]

She speaks English better than most of the people I know... shez so cool😍😍..... writing a book on constellations ...I mean how cool is that....😊

[@JohnwickRRR67]

Why is speaking English supposed to make you cool! I'snt that just another language

[@manishmeena5511]

Woww woww English nahi bolti mam toh wo cool nahi thi gzbb yr🙏🙏

[@manishmeena5511]

@Munish dhaini bilkul sahi kaha Bhai English ko leavel of intelligence bnaa rakha hai

[@Keniz99]

The thinking of Indians that without English one is uncool, that is utter disgusting.

[@taqiabedi3280]

Doesn't she deserve Bharat Ratna?

[@Pa4QRS1cxT2dvn3y]

Sorry but no.....

[@siddhesh6530]

@@Pa4QRS1cxT2dvn3y agreed

[@Pa4QRS1cxT2dvn3y]

@@siddhesh6530 thanks....atleast someone who is using his brain.👍

[@debroglie5871]

@tulika srivastava indeed but these are now reserved for politicians

[@SunilSheoran.]

Why not

[@AbhijitRoy-my5io]

We might not be able to follow her lifestyle but we can definitely contribute to the cause she is working for by using the precious resources carefully and saving all we can save. Thank you!

[@rishavsinha3376]

My electricity bill per month is around 53/-

[@yashagrawal88]

Yes. Please support facebook.com/Say-no-to-air-conditioning-for-our-environment-1672383069690705/

[@Mcthindi]

What you need she can walk at 79 years on her own , and fearless , intelligent , words are less , respect is huge.

[@sachindhumale481]

I m going to meet her next Saturday. This great lady! Respect.

[@anaysworld3827]

Bhetlat ?

[@sachindhumale481]

@@anaysworld3827 गेलो होतो पण त्या नव्हत्या,त्यानंतर ही बऱ्याच वेळा प्रयत्न केला होता पण भेट होऊ शकली नाही. पण एकदिवस भेट नक्की घेणार आहे.

[@allgood2831]

Sachin Dhumale ...bhai did you visit her? How was your experience? I would love to see her .. whenever i visit pune.

[@sachindhumale481]

@@allgood2831 i tried many times but she wasn't available so that not possible,but very soon,I will meet her, currently i m living in Pune.

[@tennisball3803]

How was the meeting?

[@gopikishan1028]

This is the pure example of enlightenment by knowledge. The indigenous people also follow this Life style which is nature friendly,self reliant ,only need full use of resources. So how ahead of us they are .......... Salute you Mam great 👍🙏

[@SameerGudekar]

आमचे Physics Teacher नेहमी वर्गात या आजींची गोष्ट सांगायचे. ते त्यांना एकदा भेटून आले होते. Scroll.In अतिशय स्तुत्य उपक्रम.. ! Thank You so Much..! You people are genius..!

[@adityakadlag8280]

कुठे राहतात ते?

[@shh11111]

Ya, where does she live in pune?

[@amolthete5670]

Kuthe rahtat

[@dattani53]

Hai bai khubach Chan ahai

[@foodkida5306]

Address please

[@vision3012]

Aww she is so kind with animals too. Love this beautiful lady. Best part is she doesn't force her views on others.

[@heenananda6588]

I stayed in Pune for 10 years Never heard about her thank you for bringing this gem to the world, people like her need to be celebrated

[@jaswanthsingh6967]

Like the work of scroll,it's working very good and hard in journalism

[@bhargavnikam]

शब्दच संपतात जेव्हा असे एक एक महान व्यक्ती पहायला मिळतात. फार छान👌

[@ChilliesInChocolate]

Such an empowered lady! She taught my dad, and after watching this he said she hasn’t changed a bit. She is still that amazing, strong and intelligent woman!

[@shreyashtodkari908]

She should awarded by padmabhushan Or vibhushan. She is grt woman, true inspiration in true sense.

[@prashantpandri195]

I have been that road many times, but I never imagined that an inspirational soul is living there.

[@technolightmaster5965]

Can u locate the area or road???

[@shreyanksurve8100]

Yup, Same here and I live just a kilometre away from her place

[@svstharun4972]

This professor melted my heart and made my brain to think about saving power and how to live life with peace.

[@applepeel1662]

Incredible respect for her. It's insane to think that she lives completely content without all these modern privileges in this modern world. She's so wise and articulates beautifully.

[@user-uz4gh7sm9l]

Now I'm feeling ashamed of myself.

[@Medha_03]

Me too😣

[@GauravChavan1210]

we all are

[@aniruddhakaryekar2390]

मग वीजवापर बंद कर !

[@Rish0716]

I am from Pune..and today I came to know about this..🙄.. Unique mind ❣️..No one would believe after seeing her that she has done PhD🙏

[@reuelchinthala]

Have you met anyone who has a PhD?

[@Rish0716]

@@reuelchinthala yep..many of my professors have done

[@maheshg8254]

Bhava he sagl aplyala non Indian channel vrch ka pahayala Milt aple Indian channel ky krtat.......

[@reuelchinthala]

@@maheshg8254 tuchya aiela zhavte

[@prashantdhakne3365]

reuel joshua your comment shows your upbringing ..if you are unable to make your parents proud then at-least don’t make them ashamed of you

[@Krypton92546]

"There is no path to happiness but happiness itself is a path"...May God bless you dear Professor..We need more Indians like her...🙏💕🌹

[@raghupathireddychintakuntl5295]

Love that old woman,her individuality is inspiring

[@mohitlohia1]

She should get national award.

[@surendrabhandari4172]

Its effects of real study botany obviously she worked did well with her study salute from Uttrakhand

[@AshokSharma-iy9ry]

I don't have words to say .u have inspired me so much I am 17 yrs old and onwards I'll try to save electricity as much as I can

[@yukiwyngaard2202]

My utmost respect to this lady. She does not even know she is an enlightened being. Pranaam.

[@abuiyan1744]

The message of this video is.. be happy with what you have and what you had...

[@enlightenedsoul5667]

TODAY IS MY GRANDFATHER'S BIRTHDAY AND THIS GREAT LADY INSPIRED ME THE SAME WAY HE DID 🙏🙏

[@PP-vf1kx]

enlightened soul sees no light

[@SaurabhSingh-lc5oq]

आत्मबल कभी संसाधनों से नही आता, किताबें अच्छी साथी होती हैं ।

[@loneplayerherosarena4539]

Yup true

[@goodpeople5676]

I RESPECT her lifestyle and choice and challenges. If govt or NGO can do something for her would be great . With Love from Guwahati Assam INDIA

[@smritishringi9258]

I am totally speechless after watching this video. Seriously how much mechanical we eventually became... No electricity no life.... May God gives me an opportunity to meet this intellectual lady.. May God bless her.

[@krazyninja954]

And here I get panick attacks if my mobile data plan gets expired.

[@sadiqsheikh4680]

Panic*

[@theindianshiamuslim5777]

Keep up your good work scroll ,you have a responsibility to perform that others have ignored

[@fijun1538]

Agreed.

[@motourvlogs7546]

I wonder humans has dislikes for this women too. I Salute you Ma'am.Lots of love and respect.

[@nikhilsukumar23]

Humans are jealous and are always searching for lusty stuff.

[@rizwanmohd7028]

The word she said "Enjoying" with full confidence and Joye was the best moments I felt ever after watching any vedieo over here..

[@shreekrishnan86]

Thanks for making and sharing this video. Very inspiring. She is like Dr. APJ. Educated yet simple.

[@reetikagupta9281]

Ditto

[@nikhilsen9007]

What she says in the last two minutes is just amazing. She is an amazing lady.

[@sarangabaishya963]

Salute to this grandma...this is the reason why she is still so energetic at this age

[@tanvimishra3303]

ये अपने तरह की ही एक समृदध व्यक्ति है। ऐसे लोग अब कम ही देखने को मिलते है । बहोत ही सीमित जरूरतें, और जीवन भर पूरा पडने वाला, ज्ञान का प्रकाश है इनके पास । शतशः नमन ।

[@ganeshpanzade9084]

Such a strong-willed lady with determinant power at her thoughts, lifestyle. Live long!

[@20tejas]

living in pune never heard of her great lady Dr Sane a real inspiration.

[@magnified4827]

Inspiration ? really Then you should emulate her by renouncing all modern comforts and your only aim in life should be to learn textbooks and later in the evening to listen old rafi songs on a battery powered radio and then after write what comes to your mind on sheets of paper.

[@striker1011]

She must probably be the most underrated botany expert ever. Thanks for this wonderful video.

[@mukeshgaur2666]

Thanks Eco India to show the great lady who is very simple inspite of being retired Botany Professor.

[@vipulchandrajha8533]

People like her need to get media attention which can inspire millions of students like us , Instead of Bollywood nepotistic crap. Good work Scroll.

[@shivamgarg5655]

shut up.

[@criptions5654]

She is blessed with good health.at 79is independent and active.God keep her healthy.

[@sanchNish]

One reason because she is so much in contact with nature ...lives simply ...

[@criptions5654]

@@sanchNish lives simply,but she lives in a busy city of pune..thats what the video said.thats why I was surprised.. I think its because she's worries less...lives with her studies,students also it may be genetic.resaw the video..her ancestral home is amids trees.agree with u.

[@saniha337]

She should be surely Credited, Honoured for Her age, her knowledge, her Eco-friendly way of life..her conyribution to society... Lovely person Full of satisfaction and curiosity of knowledge..

[@maheshg8254]

Such a educated spiritual persons live in our Maharashtra But they didn't get that much media attention.

[@cluBMallu]

India

[@maheshg8254]

@@cluBMallu bro for ur info pune is in Maharashtra

[@cluBMallu]

@@maheshg8254 bro I was in Pune for 2 years. For ur sake, Pune, Maharashtra, India. Ok

[@maheshg8254]

@@cluBMallu that's my boy bol Jay Maharashtra

[@cluBMallu]

@@maheshg8254 child let's say together jai hind

[@AP-fg8vt]

Thanks for introducing us to this great lady. Such enigma. Loved her cat too. 😍

[@umang8839]

Profoundly satisfying in todays scenario of restlessness and despair...

[@YS-hl1hy]

With crores of rupees of property under her.She lives so humbly it is a real inspiration.

[@sukrutjoshi5682]

Great grandmother "Aaji" ! May be some people may do debait on her lifestyle like life leaving without electricity . But her intention is super great - if we use so much electricity what we are going to save for next generation. Inspirational video.

[@warnpassion]

sukrut joshi Tya Marathi ahet. Marathi aslyacha garv ahe mala. ☺🙏🏾

[@sukrutjoshi5682]

@@warnpassion Yes tya Marathi ahet and mala he garva ahe tya Marathi ahet tyacha ...mhanun me "Aaji" ha Marathi aapyatla shabda vaparla Jay Maharashtra.

[@surajbiradar9827]

" चाललंय ते छान चाललंय " 🙏🙏

[@ashikabunu1360]

Lots of love and respect from Nepal..u r the inspiration for thousands ..

[@yoloyolo1968]

That expression and tone of ‘enjoying’ is what I called nirvana- the end goal for everyy

[@gauravsoni6327]

Very heart touching lady... Love you Granny... Very inspirational...

[@siddharthvats2175]

I am blown!!! What an inspiration... Best part is when she says with full swag " I am Enjoying". Salute Doctor for teaching us life. Thank you Scroll for such a wonderful piece.

[@pooch7449]

Aww she have a cat too I love her lifestyle...I always wanted myself to practice living like that too She's super Inspiring Almost eco living

[@yashagrawal88]

Let us at least do whatever is possible to prevent electricity wastage. facebook.com/Say-no-to-air-conditioning-for-our-environment-1672383069690705/

[@shymahamid2863]

And a dog.. 🐾

[@joulangoveas1250]

She needs company..So she has pets..

[@PP-vf1kx]

pooch should start practicing

[@aniruddhakaryekar2390]

मग पहिला वीजवापर बंद कर ।ताबडतोब !

[@piyalichatterjee665]

They r the real human being..salute to her from my side..

[@priyankasingh-ve5kh]

अचानक से मेरी जिंदगी की कमिया दूर हो गई मुझे आप ने एक प्रेरणा दी है , मेरा प्रणाम🙏

[@khushboo1850]

Amazing yrr! I remember me and my family have spent 7 years of our life without electricity becoz we could not pay the bill. I know how it feels like.

[@rajeshkaul2850]

Amazing personality. We still have such great human being walking this planet.

[@sunitajovial9301]

Why doesn't govt recognise these ppl and award them for changing millions of life.Thanks to the team for bring such a vdo...

[@amoghkulkarni3519]

immense happiness and tears in my eyes , when she said " enjoying " , noding her head

[@aafaq97in]

Really amazing! Simplicity! Minimalism! we have so much to learn from her she needs recognition.

[@PP-vf1kx]

Aafaq Inamdar Should Start Discarding His Modern Conveniences...And Be Like Her

[@kayaeki]

Thank you so much for recommending this, I'm going to share this with everyone. She's such a strong lady with rich wisdom. I hope I stop wasting resources

[@Ecohydrofarms]

Dadi Maa, always takes care for children's Future. That's why this universe is sustainably growing. A great salute to her simplified life & immense knowledge...

[@NareshKumar-dw9xp]

Thanks you tube to recommend me ... India have talent....😍

[@bollywoodtalks3043]

MUCH RESPECT TO DR.SANE MAM..🙏🙏🙏👏👏👏👌👌👌👌👌👌

[@kanchankashyap9033]

Best personality ever seen,having a great heart and courage to live like this ...

[@varundeshpande3674]

"Challay te chaan challay" just hits different. Thank you for covering her journey. I hope that fuels the generations to come. An inspiration indeed.

[@shailendramache7265]

i am from pune and and back when i was in 10th std my school teacher told us about an old professor who lives without electricity and after like 7 years i stumbled upon this video.

[@sanaullahalom2253]

Ooh great mother nature 😍😍😍 you born in wrong place people can't understand your sacrifices and greatest effort for environment ... 😢 SAATH SAATH PRANAM MAATAJI 🙏🙏🙏💗

[@dixmit2004]

God bless you..you are a good person..

[@MR-ml5ij]

Correct 🤗🤗

[@kulrajsingh6956]

What a wonderful lady she is.

[@TheatreofDreams33]

Such a commendable woman. So sorted and self relient.

[@anshumanbose4189]

The India needs more persons like her in every field.

[@mylifemyrule6841]

Sane Mam is GREAT professor I have seen in my life. You are simply great mam... Hat's off.. Pranam Bai....

[@rohitkallakuri770]

Your ideas, photography and taking is very good which helps to watch the entire video.

[@rubeenaanjum777]

A salute to her...I just pray that she lives a long and healthy life

[@C02754]

At this age she's independent and strong. That's really inspiring. If you guys noticed she doesn't need Specs for reading and writing though she's been writing in small light since years. 🙌🙌🙌

[@manoramasuryanarayana4410]

What about her Family ? Why is She Alone ? Was She Married ? Children ? Is she Single ? N number of Questions. But Salute to the Courage and Liveliness. Living Legend. 🙏🙏🙏.

[@realadvisor1436]

She is living life in peace.

[@joulangoveas1250]

Today people just want to rest in peace

[@kartiknarayan7792]

She is really a great woman,I want to meet and bow down to her.

[@doinalright4552]

I am always in awe of people who live a simple life. It would be an honour to meet her.

[@Vishal..Chauhan]

I saw all the episodes of eco India but this one which I like most. 👍

[@AdvaitThakur]

One of the best videos on KZbin. A long documentary should be made on her life.

[@MrRelc12]

Amazing frugal lifestyle of a botanist professor and writer. No "tall claims", save she likes her life the way it is.

[@ronaldochrist04]

I will not lie....I cud n't write for her,I was deleting back again n again caus I was not getting words to describe her greatness...wow amazing lady...💓💓💓....an example of why our India is a great country...!