Shrashtant Patara, Chief Executive Officer of Technology and Action for Rural Advancement (TARA), is an architect by training.  He has been with the Development Alternatives Group since 1988, providing research expertise, management capability and strategic direction to teams of up to 60 persons engaged in the promotion sustainable technology, creation of green jobs and fulfilment of basic needs amongst the rural poor.  His current work focuses on the incubation of new business models, enterprise packages and capacity building measures; foremost amongst which are initiatives aimed at taking green economy solutions to scale in the areas of renewable energy based rural electrification, affordable housing, clean drinking water and waste recycling.