| Ajay Thomas and V.M.Sudhin, Banasurasagar Project, Padinjarathara, Wayanad |
They were engineers but had to do the jobs of masons and headload workers. They had to often drag the tractors bringing construction materials to their site. They were trying to harness the Sun and generate electricity but had to make do with generator for their entire work.
The never-say-die innovators, Ajay Thomas and V.M.Sudhin who dreamt of making a floating solar power plant on the reservoir of Banasurasagar Project had to go through these and other challenging scenarios before their native ideas and innovative applications of common sense surmounted all obstacles.
It was a newspaper article by offbeat thinker, Prof. R.V.G.Menon that kept the mind of Ajay Thomas churning. The Professor had wondered why it was not possible to utilize the surface of reservoirs for harnessing solar energy. The innovative gathering, ‘We Create’ in college helped Ajay to hone the idea of floating power plant.
With changing times, State Electricity Board started sourcing ideas from youth. Ajay was sanctioned Rs.15 lakhs by the Board.
With the project in hand he wanted a partner. He did not have to think long. The guest lecturer who had taught him during the first year in college was the ideal mentor and partner. Ajay approached Sudhin, who had been working then in managerial cadre in a multinational company at Trichy. When Ajay described the proposal, Sudhin did not take long before quitting his job.
Their effort to construct a concrete floating plant had to face many challenges. Fierce winds shattered their tents, wild animals made havoc with their tools and plants, lack of proper road to the work site etc. Everything was against them, except perhaps their indomitable spirit.
Against all odds their innovative effort triumphed and the 1200 sq.feet floating concrete power plant is ready for commissioning.
Ajay stated his outlook thus: “if something turns out good, to credit it to luck and if it turns out bad to blame it on fate, you won’t get us. We were confident that if not this time, then the next time success will be ours”.
Courtesy: S.N.Jayaprakash (text), P.Jayesh (photo), Mathrubhumi, January 17, 2016
