[Graeme]

Power-play, for the people

$this->bbcode_second_pass_quote('', '"')Free electricity for farmers is quite an easily achievable goal," remarks Chandrakant Pathak casually, "What is more, the costs too are nominal."

Coming from someone else, and at a time when the issue of free electricity is creating political ripples in Maharashtra, such a remark could only be called jaw-dropping. But for Pathak, electric power is everywhere. "Anything that moves can be used to generate power," says he, "The only thing needed is will, and creativity."

If you want proof, you have only to look at Pathak's work. He has invented power-generation gadgets that can be operated manually or by bullock power, and even installed into bullock-cart wheels. He has modified power-consuming gadgets of every-day use, like motor pumps, flour mills and even electric vegetable shredders to run on manual power.

Tailored especially to suit rural energy needs, Pathak's gadgets are gaining popularity in the rural areas of his native district of Pune, Maharashtra, and several neighbouring districts. His work has been recognised and subsidised by the Maharashtra Energy Development Agency, and he has received several awards for his work.