Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on June 7 launched the book Pailtivarun… Tar Asa Jhala, chronicling the entrepreneurial journey of Dr. Pramod Chaudhari, widely recognised as the “Ethanol Man” of India. He is also the Founder Chairman of Praj Industries. The event took place in Pune in the presence of several dignitaries.
Speaking at the launch, Fadnavis described the occasion not merely as a literary event, but as a moment of inspiration for India’s journey in technology, entrepreneurship, and environmental sustainability.
“This book not only outlines Dr. Chaudhari’s personal struggles but also demonstrates how a visionary, technology-driven, and environmentally conscious India can be built,” Fadnavis said. He emphasized that Dr. Chaudhari carved his path through talent, technology, trust, and truthfulness, overcoming numerous challenges.
Recalling the period between 2009 and 2014, Fadnavis noted that it was a time of uncertainty for Indian industry, not just for Praj Industries. He highlighted how several policy decisions taken by former Prime Minister and Bharat Ratna Atal Bihari Vajpayee, such as the introduction of 5% ethanol blending in fuel—were later altered, leading to hurdles that Dr. Chaudhari managed to navigate strategically.
Fadnavis further stated that after the Modi government came to power in 2014, India adopted a clear ethanol policy. Today, the country is moving towards 20% ethanol blending in fuel, a shift that has significantly boosted the vision of self-reliance.
He praised Praj Industries’ contribution to 2nd-generation ethanol technology, saying its impact goes beyond fuel production. “It has empowered farmers and taken revolutionary steps toward a greener India,” he said. “By reducing dependence on fossil fuels, India is now progressing toward decarbonization.”
Fadnavis also credited Praj Industries for helping address issues in the sugar industry, promoting by-product-based industries, and advancing clean fuel alternatives. He mentioned the company’s innovations in green aviation fuel technology, calling them a crucial foundation for the future of sustainable aviation.
“The economics of ethanol has now been very well established, and Pramod Chaudhary has made a very significant contribution to this. Today, he explained how polylactic acid, which is used to make biodegradable plastic, was earlier dependent on technology from abroad. Since that made it expensive, its use was limited. But now, he informed me that we can produce it domestically,” he said.
“So, I told him that if he could provide us with a detailed policy draft, outlining what is needed to establish this industry and what kind of incentives would be expected, then we can build a structure around it. This could also serve as a good solution for times when we have a sugar surplus,” he added.
He said that the environment is under threat due to non-biodegradable plastics.
“Most importantly, our environment is under threat due to non-biodegradable plastics, which are causing significant harm. If we gradually move toward degradable plastics, it would be a great service to the environment. There was a brief pause in this initiative in the past when it seemed there might be a sugar shortage in the country,” he said.
“But once we got the necessary information about quotas, the program resumed…I would like to highlight that due to the policy formulated by the Modi government, we have now achieved up to 20% blending (with ethanol), which has saved the country’s crores in foreign exchange,” he added.
Referring to Dr. Chaudhari’s proposed development strategy for Gadchiroli, Fadnavis emphasized that the district should not be seen as the last but the first in Maharashtra’s development roadmap. He assured that work would commence on implementing the strategy.
“Through this book, Dr. Chaudhari has left a visionary legacy of technology, entrepreneurship, and renewable energy for future generations,” Fadnavis concluded.
Also present at the event were Minister Chandrakant Patil, author Dr. Pramod Chaudhari, Prof. Milind Joshi, President of the All India Marathi Literary Federation, and other distinguished guests.
