Vadodara: Students at M S University in Vadodara now have a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience in hospitality management with the installation of a solar-powered food cart on campus. Two years after receiving a patent from the central govt, the solar-powered food cart — designed by researchers Dr Sarjoo Patel and Dr Urvashi Mishra from MSU — has been set up at the vocational skill development centre of the Department of Family and Community Resource Management, part of the Faculty of Family and Community Sciences. The university had provided financial assistance to develop the prototype.
The cart, which will be used for practical training in hospitality management, was inaugurated by MSU Vice-Chancellor Prof Vijay Srivastava on Monday. The cart, which runs entirely on solar energy , is enclosed for security and weather protection. “The cart is designed with locks and handles to secure it after closing time, preventing theft or damage by stray animals,” said Dr Patel.
“The owner can secure the cart in one place after closing time rather than drag it back to their house,” she said, adding that after the owner opens one side of the cart, s/he can unlock the other three sides from the inside. “The shutter is then latched to a hook on the main frame. This provides shelter from weather, falling leaves, dirt, among others,” she said.
The cart also features foldable platforms for customers and an extendable platform for cooking, ensuring that smoke and fume.
