Vaastu is essentially a fundamental architectural guidance. In early stages of civilisation, men would go in for basic guidelines such as span of the roof (height of the house), width of the house depending on numbers of people living in the house: let’s say ten children and six adults. There were no architectures then……so guidelines were then very basic. People then knew that for physical growth and for psychological growth of people living in t he house, the house should have good ventilation, bright sunlight (hence the direction) and water bodies nearby say a well or a pond. People then took the weather conditions the temperatures into consideration and I suppose that was practicing the so called vaastu shastra (science). Without knowledge of vaastu the olden day’s houses were built on few basic tips.

Depending on the topography, climatic conditions and beliefs each city, state, country has different thumb rules of vastu. Today, people are stretching the concept of vastu too far, to such an extent that it is beyond logic and realism. Instead of using the basic tips we are practicing unbelievable rules under the name of vaastu shastra. All kinds of rubbish things are practiced because of fear of losing things and when fear rules, you can make science out of everything.

The science of vaastu: Indian civilization is the oldest in the world and has a rich heritage of developing different branches of science. Vastu Shastra is one such discipline that developed over the years based on the traditional knowledge based on the natural elements. The age old Indian philosophers knew a lot about the five elements that made the universe: sun, moon, air, earth and space. The olden day’s rishis (sages) had knowledge about the gravitational forces, magnetic field, the position of the earth, velocity of the winds, ultraviolet rays, the intensity and volume of rainfall etc. When houses are built on the basis of application of this knowledge, they are considered scientific. The five elements of the nature need to be synchronized with the five elements of the human body as well. This coordination is important for happy living.

The elements can determine the way particular directions interact with particular objects or certain kinds of people. Vaastu considered the relationship of the five elements to maintain equilibrium of it with our style of living. Therefore, they influence our deeds, luck, behavior and other basics of life. This is how vastu runs into astrology, numerology and face reading.

Vaastu is mostly based on directions: The kitchen is preferable in south-east direction. In India, we are subject to South West winds, and kitchen is the place where we regularly cook and spend time. To avoid the impact of South west winds, the kitchen is placed in south-east direction and bedroom is the place where we spend a great deal of time. Circulation of air aids in a healthier and happier life and mindset. Hence, it’s advised to have the bedroom south-west facing. The sitting room or hall should be in northern direction. The toilet is preferable in south-east direction and bathroom in north-east direction. The west direction of the house is suitable for dining hall.  The eastern and northern sides are suitable for balconies.

When your house is not built as per vaastu: But what happens when your house is not built as per vaastu science? I have seen umpteen cases where people lived in houses which had nothing to do with vaastu, but they have progressed in life, they lived longer lives, they prospered and did well. I think nothing happens outside of you. Everything is happening within you. Your consciousness includes your thinking, desire, and willpower of mind and all that is. When vaastu or how your house is not in your control, have faith in your own self. Because the moment you feel not being in control, you are creating an illusion – an illusion of bad luck, ill health, failure, sadness etc, etc. You are the director, script writer of your life. I know two things are most important for any house/workplace: cleanliness and clutter less housekeeping.  Have greenery (indoor plants) in possible places, have nice pastel shades of paint on wall and nicely colored tapestry and curtains. You will have positivity in your house.

Main door: Pay little attention to the main door of your house; the main door of a house is not only the entry point for the family but also for energy. It brings happiness and good luck. It is a conversion zone because it lets in or keeps out the cosmic (outer space) energy flow that promotes health, wealth and happiness. The main door creates an impression of people occupying the house. The direction of main door preferably is north, north-east, east or west. But, if you don’t have it in this direction, do not panicky. Always have a bright light at the entrance and the main door should be well-lit in the evenings. Decorate the entrance with green plants, if there is space and keep it always without any obstacles in the way. Always put up a name plate. Identity is important.

One of the pragmatic vastutadnya: However, to have basic yet practical knowledge of the subject, I seek advice from Mr. Asif Kaskar. I ask him lot of questions and reasons for the do’s and don’ts. Asif gives sensible and reasonable answers. He does not like to over blow the concepts. I trust my vibes with him. He never asks to demolish or destroy anything in the house. He has a pragmatic view of vaastu and even he says ‘’you are the director and script writer of your life. All control buttons are within you’’. Though we call vaastu a science (shastra) it factually is an art of living.

Solar energy is a renewable free source of energy that is sustainable and totally endless, unlike fossil fuels that are determinate. It is non-polluting source of energy and it does not emit any greenhouse gases while producing electricity. The sun is probably the most key source of renewable energy available today. We all know that the fortunes of nations depend on the energy sources they use to fuel their economic life. For example, coal power was instrumental to the rise of the British Empire, which reached its peak in the 19th century. But the 20th century belonged to the United States because it was quicker to adopt petroleum, which proved to be a more efficient form of energy. Likewise, economic supremacy in the 20th century is largely determined by which country manages to harness the cleanest, most cost-effective, and planet-friendly fuels of tomorrow. For sure countries which will use solar energy will progress.

Solar power is reliable energy. The rising and setting of the sun is most consistent. We know all across the world, when the sun rises and sets. We do also have fairly good seasonal and daily projections for the amount of sunlight that will be received in different locations, this makes solar power an extremely reliable source of energy. Two main types of solar energy systems are in use today: photovoltaics, and thermal systems.

Sun shines for each creature. Nobody can claim monopoly over the sun or no one can buy out sun. Combined with the simplicity of solar panels, this also provides the notable solar power advantage of energy security, something the US military has pointed out for years, and a major reason why it is also putting a lot of its money into the development and installation of solar power systems.

Solar power users enjoy energy independence as the “fuel” for solar panels cannot be bought or monopolized; it is free for all. Once you have solar panels on your roof, you have independent source of electricity that is all yours. This is important for individuals, but also for cities, counties, states, countries, and even companies.

Solar power industry has made incredible advancements which surely is helping to save the planet. If you don’t want to undertake the expense and hassle of installing a full solar power system to provide electricity for your entire house, you can use solar power flexibly at your home for indoor light. These indoor lights capture light energy during the day and store it in small batteries which light the bulbs. You can use them for outdoor lights as well, your cell phone, laptop, MP3 players and many other electronic gadgets can be charged with solar power. There are several solar-powered chargers in the market that either charge internal batteries, like in cell phones or charge C, D, AA, and AAA batteries for use in other electronic devices. These rechargers come with different size cords to be used with different items. Using solar power to charge the electronic items which you use each day will reduce your electric bill each month.

For a small price, you can install a solar-powered water heater system to produce hot water for your home. They can be used in any climate. These systems include storage tanks and solar collectors also. Most solar water heaters require a well-insulated storage tank with an additional outlet and inlet connected to and from the collector. In two-tank systems, the solar water heater heats water before it enters the conventional water heater. In one-tank systems, the back-up heater is combined with the solar storage in one tank.

Solar energy was first used for cooking in a specially-designed oven that captured the sun’s rays to heat food. These small ovens were originally built for camping, but they work great for outdoor summer cooking as well. Rather than mess with charcoal or propane tanks, solar ovens are inexpensive and easy to use without all the waste of conventional cooking techniques. These small ovens can cook food at a temperature of up to about 350 degrees and are fully solar-powered. Your oven can be used on electricity energy as well. A unique system of glass and reflective material absorbs the sun’s heat like a solar cell and then magnifies it so that it is hot enough to cook.

The Shirdi Saibaba Sansthan Trust in Maharashtra which used to use 500 metric tons of LPG earlier for cooking food for the pilgrims, took a decision to install solar cooking project worth Rs.1.33 crores. The benefit has been felt immediately. Today, the Sansthan claims that it has reduced the use of LPG by 74 metric tons and saving over Rs . 29 lakhs annually. In addition it is receiving carbon credits from an international organization! The Sansthan’s Prasadalaya(cooking and serving hall) is said to be Asia’s biggest prasadalayas.

Tirumala Tirupathi Devasthanam (TTD) in Andhra Pradesh is one of the most popular pilgrimage places in India. Devotees pour in from all over the world; the temple authorities provide food for huge number of devotees’ every day at the temple. The temple kitchen uses a huge solar steam cooking system in the temple premises. The solar steam cooking system installed by the Tirumala Tirupathi Devasthanam (TTD) at Tirumala in Andhra Pradesh has the ability to prepare food for 15,000 people a day. This inventive system uses automatic tracking solar dish concentrators that convert water into high-pressure steam. The steam thus generated is utilized for cooking at TTD. The authorities have linked the system with the existing diesel boiler to ensure that the system’s usability and reliability remains intact under all climatic conditions.

The hospitality and healthcare segment is slowly opting for solar energy. Adapting to renewable sources of energy is one of the most beneficial and sensible long-term decisions that any company can take. A large portion of the energy is required in hotels and hospitals. ITC, Maurya has set an example by pioneering the successful use of solar technology for satisfying its thermal energy needs in laundry, cooking, bathing and other applications. ITC Limited is credited with being a pioneer in initiating a number of environment friendly changes. It is one of the few carbon positive companies in India.

Solar panels are getting cheaper therefore, they are being bought from houses, schools and hospitals. People are becoming aware about solar energy which is certainly a good sign. Free power from solar panels offset the high rate of electricity for commercial use, and businesses are also able to claim accelerated depreciation (a method to increase deductions) on the equipment to lower their taxable income.

Friends, climate change is a real threat to the future of human life and all other life on Earth. We needs to reduce global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions ~80% by 2050. Since ~60% of global emissions stem from energy use, we need to deploy low-carbon energy technologies at massive scale. Solar is by far the largest energy resource available renewables on Earth. This technology is now poised to play a larger role in the future. More and more architects are recognizing the value of active and passive solar and learning how to effectively integrate it into building designs. Shell Global has predicted that 50% of the world’s energy will come from renewable sources by 2040. Solar Energy is indeed the smartest energy choice under the sun.