Syed Sajjad Ahmed, 63, had to drop out of school when he was in 12th standard to earn a living, but that didn’t stop him from doing something that “would be of use to humanity”.
Syed, who was born in Kolar, 70 km away from Bangalore, has developed a solar-powered electric car. He travelled 3,000 km from Bangalore to Delhi in his car to attend the India International Science Fair (IISF) at IIT-Delhi campus.
It took Syed Sajjad Ahmed 30 days to cover this arduous journey, that included crossing the Vindhyas.
Syed started his career as a fruit vendor and later set up an electronics repair shop.
His work included assembly of electronic goods – starting off with transistors, tape recorders, television sets and antennae.
The idea for a solar-powered car came to him in 2002. “I told myself that I am 50 now and I must do something before I become too old and infirm”, says Syed.
I had to leave school at 15 to start earning for the family. But the fire to create something that would be of use to humanity kept burning in me.Syed Sajjad Ahmed
Ahmed started by modifying a two-wheeler to run on electric power and then a three-wheeler and later a four-wheeler.
The car is equipped with five solar panels that have a capacity of 100 watts. The power required to move the car is stored in a bank of six batteries, each with a capacity of 12 volts and 100 amps.
Syed was given the Karnataka government’s award for environment protection, instituted in honour of former late President APJ Abdul Kalam, in 2006 for his innovation.
“Dr APJ Abdul Kalam is an inspiration for all of India but more so for me. It is a journey for change to inspire, ignite, innovate, and educate the public, especially students, about Dr Kalam’s Vision 2020 for uplifting the country,” he added.
Syed will return to Bangalore via Kanyakumari.
For now, his next destination is Dr Kalam’s hometown – Rameshwaram, Tamil Nadu
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