The solar cooker was the first indigenously developed technological device in Independent India that a generation of scientists and Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, imagined would be an example of technology development. The promise was that millions of Indian villagers would use solar cookers to make their meals. It was breathlessly championed by the National Physical Laboratory, Delhi – a CSIR lab. Very soon however, its poor sale and lack of public acceptance led to a loss of morale among scientist and a fear of state-sponsored technology development.
Tune in to this episode to hear why solar cookers were the God That Failed in India.
The Rearview is a podcast where the hosts guide you on a scenic route through the history of science. Filled with fascinating anecdotes, deep archival dives, and a closer look at the quirky minds behind groundbreaking ideas.
Hosts: Sobhana K Nair and Jacob Koshy
Shot, produced and edited by Jude Francis Weston
For more episodes of The Rearview:
Published – October 21, 2025 01:56 pm IST
