To: Gabe Aguilar, PhD From: Mahendra Bahadur Thapa DATE: September 09, 2024 SUBJECT : Solar Power Infrastructure in Nepal The newly lunched …
Mahendra Thapa (He/Him), a PhD Scholar and Graduate Teaching Assistant (GTA) at the University of Texas at Arlington (UTA), holds an M.A. in English and an M.Phil. in English. His research interests within English Studies are interdisciplinary, and extend beyond English literature to Political Philosophy— focusing on Refugees and Migration Studies— alongside Technical and Professional Writing, Rhetoric and Composition, and, Human and Artificial Intelligence Studies. Currently, he teaches First-Year Composition (English 1301) at UTA. As a freelance writer, he also regularly writes articles on social and political issues in newspapers.
Mahendra Thapa (He/Him), a PhD Scholar and Graduate Teaching Assistant (GTA) for First Year Writing at the University of Texas at Arlington (UTA), holds an M.A. in English and an M.Phil. in English. His research interests within English Studies are interdisciplinary, and extend beyond English literature to Political Philosophy— focusing on Refugees and Migration Studies— alongside Technical and Professional Writing, Rhetoric and Composition, and, Human and Artificial Intelligence Studies. Currently, he teaches First-Year Composition (English 1301) at UTA. As a freelance writer, he also regularly writes articles on social and political issues in newspapers.
The Alliance of Nepalese Professionals for Technical and Professional Communication is a collective of Nepalese scholars and researchers currently pursuing advanced studies at US universities. Established in November 2024,with the vision of promoting equity, inclusiveness, and social justice in Nepal’s communication domain, the alliance puts stress on advancing these principles within the areas of technical and professional communication. Its mission is to inspire and promote ethical and inclusive practices that address systemic disparities, improving meaningful participation and collaboration across all segments of society.
The alliance keeps an aim of a Nepal where technical and professional communication becomes a tool for equitable social development, guaranteeing access and inclusivity for all, irrespective of socioeconomic, geographical, or cultural barriers. Social Justice in the Solar Power Industry The solar power industry in Nepal presents an ideal context for implementing social justice principles, given the country’s reliance on renewable energy to address energy scarcity in remote and underserved areas. By prioritizing fair access to solar technology, the alliance advocates for empowering marginalized communities with sustainable energy solutions. Social justice can be achieved by:
1. Ensuring affordability and accessibility of solar systems for low-income households.
2. Engaging local communities in the design and implementation process.
3. Promoting gender inclusivity by involving women in the workforce and decision-making roles within the solar power sector.
Challenges in Implementing Social Justice in Solar Power Design Despite its potential, integrating social justice and inclusiveness into solar power design faces significant hurdles:
• Economic Disparities: High upfront costs of solar systems make them inaccessible to disadvantaged groups.
• Geographical Barriers: Remote and mountainous regions often lack the infrastructure to support solar installations.
• Lack of Awareness: Limited knowledge about solar technology and its benefits among rural communities hinders adoption.
• Gender Inequity: Women are often excluded from training and employment opportunities in the energy sector.
Solutions for Promoting Social Justice in Solar Power Energy To address these challenges, the alliance proposes the following solutions:
1. Subsidies and Financing: Introduce government-backed subsidies and microfinancing options to reduce financial barriers for underserved communities.
2. Community-Centered Design: Involve local communities in decision-making processes to ensure designs meet their specific needs.
3. Education and Outreach: Conduct awareness campaigns and provide training programs on the benefits and maintenance of solar systems.
4. Policy Advocacy: Work with policymakers to promote inclusive regulations and incentives for solar power adoption.
5. Empowering Women: Encourage women’s participation through targeted education and employment opportunities in the solar industry.
To: Gabe Aguilar, PhD From: Mahendra Bahadur Thapa DATE: September 09, 2024 SUBJECT : Solar Power Infrastructure in Nepal The newly lunched …
To: Gabe Aguilar, PhD From: Mahendra Bahadur Thapa Subject: English 5333 Technical Description of Solar Power Solar Power, also known as a …