India’s largely coal based electricity grid has major reliability issues but the advent of cheap, decentralized solar PV provides new solutions for rural areas that go beyond making dry land arable through irrigation. Our presenter, Ranjan Sen, will introduce IEEE’s Smart Village project in West Bengal which, in addition to generating electricity, aims to educate locals and foster entrepreneurial projects made possible with solar power. It is also an example of an intriguing decentralized approach for education that allows for local development. Please plan to stay for a reception with food, drinks, and conversations afterwards.