Jimmy McGilligan Memorial Week 2025: Promoting Sustainable Development Across Indore and Beyond
Join the 14th Jimmy McGilligan Memorial Week in Indore (April 15–21, 2025). Experience sustainable development in action through solar cooking, climate resilience talks, eco-entrepreneurship, and more.
The Jimmy and Janak McGilligan Foundation for Sustainable Development is set to host the 14th Jimmy McGilligan Memorial Week for Sustainable Development from 15th to 21st April 2025 in and around Indore. The week-long programme honours the life and work of James "Jimmy" McGilligan O.B.E., a pioneering advocate of sustainable development, whose vision continues to impact lives across India.
The annual commemoration includes a robust schedule of activities aimed at empowering individuals of all ages to contribute meaningfully towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) set for India by 2030.
✨ Legacy of Jimmy McGilligan: A Pioneer of Green Innovation in Central India
Born in Northern Ireland, Jimmy McGilligan gave up his profession as a drainage and land reclamation contractor to serve India as a UK Baha’i pioneer. His 25 years of dedicated service (1986–2011) include transformative work as the manager of the Barli Development Institute for Rural Women in Indore.
There, he developed India's first solar thermal kitchen capable of cooking for 150 people, saving 900 kilos of firewood and nine LPG cylinders monthly. His efforts introduced zero-waste lifestyles, solar-powered community kitchens, and hybrid wind-solar energy systems that still power 50 tribal households free of cost.
Continuing the Vision: Sustainable Education and Community Impact
Since Jimmy’s passing on 21st April 2011, his wife and fellow environmentalist, Janak Palta McGilligan, transformed their personal home into the Jimmy McGilligan Centre for Sustainable Development in Sanawadiya. Over the past 14 years, she has trained more than 1.82 lakh individuals, without charging a fee, in sustainable living practices, organic farming, waste management, and solar technology.
She co-founded Jaivik Setu, mentored startups, and collaborated with educational institutions to develop a generation of environmentally conscious youth.
Programme Schedule: Jimmy McGilligan Memorial Week 2025
| Date & Time | Event Title | Venue | Speakers/Presenters |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15 Apr, 9:30–12:30 | Solar Cooking Food Festival & Training | Jimmy McGilligan Centre, Sanawadiya | Janak Palta McGilligan |
| 16 Apr, 10:30–12:30 | Sustainable Internship for Viksit Bharat | School of Economics, DAVV | Janak Palta McGilligan, Babita Raheja, Tuhina Jha, Sidharth Lodhi |
| 17 Apr, 10:30–12:30 | Art and Science for Sustainable Living | Sri Sri Ravi Shankar Vidya Mandir, Sanawadiya | Janak Palta McGilligan, Jwalant Shah |
| 18 Apr, 10:30–12:00 | Sustainable Food for People and Planet | Life Care Hospital, Indore | Ambrish Kela, Janak Palta McGilligan |
| 19 Apr, 10:30–12:30 | Managing Climate Crisis in India | Shri Vaishnav Institute of Management | Janak Palta McGilligan, Rohit Aggarwal |
| 20 Apr, 10:30–12:30 | Solar Food Processing Techniques | Raheja Solar Processing, Palda, Indore | Janak Palta McGilligan, Babita Raheja, Ghanshyam Lukhi |
| 21 Apr, 6:00–7:30 pm | Prayer Meeting & Memorial Dinner | Giridarshan, Sanawadiya | Open to Public |
Why Attend?
This is more than a tribute — it's a platform for learning, connecting, and creating sustainable solutions. From solar energy workshops and eco-entrepreneurship sessions to climate resilience training, the week offers transformative knowledge for students, professionals, and community leaders alike.
