IIT Bombay professor's torn socks at luxury hotel sparks debate on sustainability: 'I can afford it, but nature cannot'

IIT-Bombay professor Chetan Singh Solanki was recently spotted at a luxury hotel in New Delhi, wearing torn socks. It raises an obvious question: Why would an esteemed professor, who surely earns a comfortable living, not buy a new pair? Solanki's answer is striking: "I can afford it, but nature cannot!" The professor, known for his strong stance on sustainability, chooses to lead by example¡ªeven in the smallest details of his life.

IIT-Bombay professor Chetan Singh Solanki recently took to LinkedIn to address a viral moment that happened at the Hyatt in New Delhi.

While preparing for his talk at the Economic Times Energy Leadership Summit, someone snapped a photo of him wearing torn socks, which quickly gained attention.

But instead of brushing it off, Solanki used the moment to spread a powerful message about sustainability.

"Yes, my torn socks were exposed! I need to replace them, I will and sure, I can afford to ¨C but#nature cannot. In nature, everything is finite," he wrote.

He emphasised that this choice isn¡¯t borne out of an inability to buy but rather it is about avoiding what is avoidable. "I will stitch it and use it again," he writes.

"I may use the best gadgets to enhance my productivity, but I strive to use the least amount of material to reduce my carbon footprint," he adds.

Who is IIT-Bombay professor Chetan Singh Solanki?

Chetan Singh Solanki, a professor at IIT-Bombay and widely known as the Solar Man of India or Solar Gandhi, has been on a dedicated mission to raise awareness about environmental degradation.

Over the past few decades, he has traveled more than 43,000 km across 20 states to promote solar energy.

However, his recent viral moment¡ªwearing torn socks at a luxury hotel¡ªhas sparked a range of reactions online.

Some questioned his reasoning. One person remarked, "By that logic, should you be wearing torn clothes too? This seems like a cover-up for negligence."

Another added, "In promoting sustainability, don¡¯t forget etiquette. Even the best efforts can be wasted if not presented with discipline."

Yet another said, "In the Hyatt with AC, talking about climate change... the world is so funny!"

But as Solanki emphasises, "I have a choice to go to Himalaya, do meditation and not talk about it or I will go to people, speak to them and bring awareness among masses. I choose the second one."

To stay updated on the stories that are going viral, follow Indiatimes Trending.