Padma Shri Uddhab Kumar Bharali: The man with 118 incredible inventions

Bhubaneswar: Uddhab Bharali was born to a businessman father in Lakhimpur, Assam. Academically he was an extraordinarily bright student. Bharali did his schooling from the Government Secondary School, Lakhimpur. Uddhav was often asked by his teacher to stand outside the class because he used to ask difficult questions’ in mathematics. He was rewarded twice with double promotions at school.

In 1988, his family was in debt. So he decided to start a polythene covers making business catering to Tea Estates in Assam. Instead of spending about lakh (hundred thousand) rupees on buying a machine, he designed his own machine for about 67,000 rupees. Bharali then determined to continue building machines, rather than buying them

Focusing on agricultural output, Bharali went on to build a variety of peeler machines to peel Beteel Nut, Cassava, Garlic, Jatropha and Safed Musli, re-designed Assamese paddy grinder, that could be operated by only turning a wheel Bamboo Processing Machine to cut-polish-surface finish long Bamboo, Cutters for and Green tea leaves and etc. The best part of all these beings, they were indigenous, low-cost and could be operated by single-person. This last facet would go on to be life-saver in coming years for disabled people around Lakhimpur.

Uddhab Bharali, the serial innovator has a very soft side that very few people know. Besides being a successful innovator, Uddhab Bharali is a true humanitarian. The man who invented the polythene making the machine, because he had not enough money to buy it, is now busy developing new user-friendly types of equipment for the handicaps. Uddhab Bharali has helped many physically challenged persons, with the help of his inventions. He has been financially supporting 18 families and bears the cost of all the medical treatment of any of the family members, belonging to those families.

Moreover, he selects up to 10 illiterate students and invites them for a three-month training program where he exclusively teaches them how to use technology. Till now, he has trained-up more than 50 youths technically, from the rural areas.

Uddhab Bharali has clients from all over the world. Several countries have taken his help to solve the technical problems, especially in the Agricultural field. Nine of his inventions are in international demand. In spite of having a worldwide recognition, Uddhab Bharali still lives a simple life. He has won the Grassroots Innovation award in 2009.

The honour – Padma Shri is awarded to any Indian citizen for distinguished service in any field.

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