Chronicling Small Efforts

(Published in Banking Services Chronicle March 2006)

Many of us often think of doing something for the society. And we think it should be something big. But big things demand big money, comprehensive infrastructure, ample time and valiant efforts. All of these are things which we talk more in terms of constraints than of availability. Then we start with long-term plans which are often cut short because of our inability to sustain our endeavour. The result: we end up doing virtually nothing.

If we can’t do something big, it is better to do small things than doing nothing. Small efforts often go a big way. Take one step at a time. Who knows that one step for man may prove to be a gigantic leap for mankind. The ancient man did not have success books but was the master of this art of success. The invention of fire and wheel still stand testimony to that.

Even today there are examples galore of small endeavours going a big way. 70-year-old Anna Saheb Udgave from Karnataka developed the Chandraprabhu Rain Gun, a low-cost irrigation system, to wage a battle against drought in his village. Today his invention, a mega sprinkler that eliminates water wastage, helps farmers in Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Karnataka get a higher yield. What started as a small thing in Sadalga village in Belgaum district is now benefiting farmers on a mass scale. The Rain Gun helps save not only 40-50 per cent water but also irrigation time, power consumption and labour.

Or take the case of JS Milker, a simple vacuum-driven device which can be used to milch cows effortlessly. Joy John of Pothanicad, Kerala has invented this portable machine and he still markets it himself. It has now become popular in South India and the dairy belt of Gujarat. Such devices can go a long way in cutting costs and contributing to rural income.

Venus Stove Burner, developed by V Thiagarajan, is another useful device. In an era when petroleum products pose a challenge to the poor—on account of both rise in their prices and removal of subsidy—it is a wonderful invention that reduces kerosene usage by a startling 37 per cent. The burner, invented by the highly experienced engineer from Chennai, has been tested and appreciated by the Central Scientific Instruments Organisation and Anna University. It also offers additional benefits of durability, safety, less noise and easy maintenance.

Another such invention goes to the credit of Sri Manoharan of Battalagundu, Tamil Nadu. Encountering regular failure of banana crops in his locality, he developed the Banana Stem Injector. It is like a syringe through which one can directly inject pesticides into diseased banana stems. This innovation led to 20 per cent cost savings in farming operations because it does away with indiscriminate pesticide application in bananas. It is safe for health as well.

If we go back in time, I can think of at least two major endeavours that once began small-scale but are today worth studying in management programmes. First is the Dabbawallah service in Mumbai. It started in 1890 in the small city of Bombay. Workers who had migrated to the city wanted homemade food at their workplaces. Today, the service delivers about two lakh lunch boxes every day. Using colours and code markings, it has taken the art of delivery to perfection. Forbes magazine has given it its highest quality rating of Six Sigma.

And next the household name that is Lijjat Papad. Do you know how its producers Shri Mahila Griha Udyog started? It dates back 40 years when Jayawantiben Popat and six of her friends in Mumbai invested Rs 80 to start a business of making papad. Today it has become a symbol of women’s economic enfranchisement in India. It validates the Gandhian principles of self-help and trusteeship.

So what are you waiting for? Just do it.