Jugaad tips from
Real-Life Rancho
Sheikh Jahangir, who had lent his innovative `chakki` scooter for the blockbuster Bollywood flick `3 Idiots`, is a real-life Rancho himself.
A resident of Jalgaon and a Class I dropout, Jahangir Painter, as he is popularly known, wanted to pursue studies but family circumstances did not permit it. Over the years, he did odd jobs, grazed cattle and worked at a tea stall as well.
``I wanted to study but due to poverty had to start earning at a tender age. I took a small shop in Autonagar in Jalgaon and started painting vehicles. I then devised a scooter that could work as a super machine and run washing machines, mixers, flour mills without electricity,`` said the 50-year-old.
When his home town comes to a grinding halt due to power cuts, work at Jahangir`s garage continues with the kick of the innovative scooter that is capable of spray painting without electricity. His innovation, the scooter-powered flour mill built 20 years ago, was used in the film.
``It was used in the last scene of the movie. This was a great honour for me. The film makers asked me if I wanted money or credit. I opted for credit and was paid Rs 10,000. Had I opted for money, the credit and patent for the scooter would have gone to someone else. I was offered Rs 20 lakhs but I declined,`` he recalled.
While the movie became a runaway hit, Jahangir still lives in a rented accommodation. His garage is now managed by his elder son, who has studied up to Class VIII. He plans to educate his younger son, who is studying in Class X.
``I conduct practical classes for free for students and teach them innovative techniques. I have been doing this since the past five years. I have formed a trust three years ago and am trying to get donations. I will need audit techniques guides (ATGs) from the income tax department so that the donors get tax benefit,`` he said.
Till date, Jahangir has trained 1,000 poor children with innovative techniques and helped around 300-400 of them to earn their source of living. ``Nobody teaches for free these days. I have trained them in robotics, electronics and making best use of scrap. This has helped them secure a living. They are earning through mobile repair work, welding, painting, plumbing, television repairs, electrical work,`` he said.
This unqualified techno whizz dreams of a laboratory in the country, where children can do research and invent things. ``Coal, power will be exhausted in some years. That is why I give practical training to children,`` he said.
The film makers, actors congratulated him and assured all help in future, but today he is desperately trying to get in touch with them - not for monetary help but for the release of his book, The Fourth Idiot.
A resident of Jalgaon and a Class I dropout, Jahangir Painter, as he is popularly known, wanted to pursue studies but family circumstances did not permit it. Over the years, he did odd jobs, grazed cattle and worked at a tea stall as well.
``I wanted to study but due to poverty had to start earning at a tender age. I took a small shop in Autonagar in Jalgaon and started painting vehicles. I then devised a scooter that could work as a super machine and run washing machines, mixers, flour mills without electricity,`` said the 50-year-old.
When his home town comes to a grinding halt due to power cuts, work at Jahangir`s garage continues with the kick of the innovative scooter that is capable of spray painting without electricity. His innovation, the scooter-powered flour mill built 20 years ago, was used in the film.
``It was used in the last scene of the movie. This was a great honour for me. The film makers asked me if I wanted money or credit. I opted for credit and was paid Rs 10,000. Had I opted for money, the credit and patent for the scooter would have gone to someone else. I was offered Rs 20 lakhs but I declined,`` he recalled.
While the movie became a runaway hit, Jahangir still lives in a rented accommodation. His garage is now managed by his elder son, who has studied up to Class VIII. He plans to educate his younger son, who is studying in Class X.
``I conduct practical classes for free for students and teach them innovative techniques. I have been doing this since the past five years. I have formed a trust three years ago and am trying to get donations. I will need audit techniques guides (ATGs) from the income tax department so that the donors get tax benefit,`` he said.
Till date, Jahangir has trained 1,000 poor children with innovative techniques and helped around 300-400 of them to earn their source of living. ``Nobody teaches for free these days. I have trained them in robotics, electronics and making best use of scrap. This has helped them secure a living. They are earning through mobile repair work, welding, painting, plumbing, television repairs, electrical work,`` he said.
This unqualified techno whizz dreams of a laboratory in the country, where children can do research and invent things. ``Coal, power will be exhausted in some years. That is why I give practical training to children,`` he said.
The film makers, actors congratulated him and assured all help in future, but today he is desperately trying to get in touch with them - not for monetary help but for the release of his book, The Fourth Idiot.
