The Little Entrepreneur – Anand Panchbhai

Yet another fascinating story to be mentioned from Chhattisgarh- outshining in the sky of startups.The name of the entrepreneur is Anand Panchbhai who is the alumni of IIT Bhilai 2017 batch. Anand laid the foundation of his company during his student life only. At present he is employing 25 people in his company out of which 20 are his juniors only.

An AI startup in health Sector

The story of Anand is really miraculous. During his student life in IIT Bhilai, Anand was determined to do something for the nation. He was determined to do something which can transform the lives of people on mass scale. He started his company Logy.AI through his pocket money with a thought that instead of working from someone else it is better to be self-employed. Through proper time management, he started his venture keeping time for studies as well. Apart from Anand, his two friends Priyajeet and Vinay also played an important role in laying the foundation of company.

AI in medicine and Health

Anand was deeply interested in research work based on artificial intelligence so he opted for the application of artificial intelligence in the field of medicine. His company Logy.AI works in the field of artificial intelligence and research based products, apps and devices. The Government of India along with state governments and various other companies are continuously approaching Anand's company for his valuable research, products and data in the field of medicine and health.

Valuable works

Industrial Research 

 The company got a big grant Biotechnology Industries Research Assistant Counselling in 2020 for industrial based research in the field of AI.

Malaria Detection

Anand’s  company has made a device through which one can detect problems like Malaria, dental problems and other diseases only in a nominal amount of rupees 15. This device is being used in naxalite areas of Bastar now.

Diagnosis of Cervical Cancer

In 2018 Anand and his team made an app and introduced a technique for detecting Cervical Cancer in women. IIIT Hyderabad made a grand to Anand for discovering this technique. Even Government of India has accepted this technique and ground level work has been started.

No words can explain these nobel efforts done for the welfare of humanity and society. We salute the spirit of generosity and innovation ultimately contributing to the well-being of the citizens of the country.

 

Entrepreneurs of Chhattisgarh

Who is not fond of chocolates? On the occasion of chocolate day, when sharing of chocolates is at the peak , who bothers that most of the chocolates contain excess sugar which is not good for health. The sugar free chocolates available in market have also added Chemicals and preservatives in them.

Ever thought of a sugar free chocolate made up of immunity booster herbs? If not, here is the moment to feel proud. Three youngsters of Raipur City - Gaurav Kumar, Amrit Nahar and Anand are together, making sugar free chocolates with natural herbs. Other than that, they are also making 50% sugar free candies. The uniqueness of the project is that they haven't used any chemicals to make these candies. For sweetness they are using Stevia which is multiple times sweeter than sugar.

The Journey of Herbal chocolates

For raw materials they have chosen suppliers from different regions of the country like cocoa powder is being ordered from Kerala and rest of the materials are purchased from farmers of various districts of Chhattisgarh like Bemetara ,Raipur and Bastar.

They stressed that these chocolates are not only immunity boosters but also helpful in increasing eyesight and memory. There startup JORCO has been funded by GEC Surat for further development.

Using herbs in chocolate

In a short talk Amrit told that they are using about 14 herbs like ashwagandha, Tulsi ,badi elaichi ,Giloy, Pippali, clove, cinnamon, mulethi, javitri, black pepper, nutmeg and Kasturi turmeric in making chocolate. It is an interesting recipe not only for children but for elderly and diabetic patients also.

Success story of making of herbal chocolate it is not so easy. The team is working on this project since 6 months and they finally succeeded to make the chocolate after 25 failures. The main problem in making chocolate was the sweetening agent. When dried stevia leaves were initially added along with cocoa powder, nuts, milk solids and green foods, the chocolate became bitter in taste. Then they  tried using stem and various parts of stevia plant and finally succeeded.

The chocolate is available in different flavours like Leechi, orange, herbs, Kacchi keri, mango and jaljeera. The story is in itself an example for all young entrepreneurs who wish to do something innovative as well as inspiring for society also.

 

The Women Carpenters of Manipur

 The Vibrant Carpenters of Manipur

Whenever we think of word carpentry the picture which immediately comes in mind is of a male dominated industry but what a beauty of the fact that women in Manipur are equally participating with their male counterparts to make furniture with equal ease and expertise. About 32 km from Imphal, the capital city of Manipur, the women in Kairembikok village of Thuobal district are taking up carpentry profession and breaking all kinds of stereotypes. The village is having a population of 1500 people and 80% of village women are working as carpenters here.

The courageous starting

Being a tough job, carpentry has always been forbidden for women. This chance was brought about by a kind and courageous person - Kangjam Inaboi, who runs a furniture unit in the village.  He tells that ever since when he started his furniture business she observed that there were a lot of unemployed women in the village. They were having no options for employment excluding the time of paddy harvest in fields. They were unable to support their family financially even when they wished.

The story started from a lady called Ahomsangbaam Radhamani who stepped out to Kangjam and ask for job in the factory. She started working with her carpenter husband in the factory. Within a week, 5-6 more women joined the factory and in today's scenario 80% of women are working in in this furniture unit. Hats off to the first step  taken by Radhamani as this was the desired action taken to initiate women employment in the village.

The positive Change

The women here are generally working in two shifts either between 7 to 10 am or 11 to 5 pm after getting freed from household work. The village is retaining its identity as unemployment hub as no one in the village is unemployed and due to working of both husband and wife, income has also doubled .A woman carpenter is earning 8000 to 10000 rupees per month raising the family income to about 20000 to 25000 per month.

Although many women have not got formal education but this work has filled them with a sense of pride and dignity. They also are able to pay their debts which they have taken from self-help group of village. Due to increase in income, they are now able to give better up bringing to their children. Every child of the village is now going to school and the village is totally addiction and drug free. They have admitted their children to boarding schools however previously it was impossible for them to admit their children in private schools.

Kangjam tells that these women have never thought that this profession is a man dominated profession. Sometimes the finishing touch given by them is even better than their male counterparts. It shows an inspiring picture of women empowerment in the small village of Manipur. An excellent example of willpower and determination shown by these women.

 Startup India - The shining Bastar

Those who get fueled up by innovations and entrepreneurship, Startup India is not a new name for them. But what about startups from a remote area like Bastar-Dantewada, from a small state like Chhattisgarh, revolutionizing the lives of many people at the mass level?

The story of Dennex

The story of  Dennex brand of Dantewada is a milestone in itself in a place which is known for Maoists and Naxalites. It reflects the true picture of progress of Startup India vision, full of hope and inspiration. Chhattisgarh first own brand of clothing has been introduced by setting up a garment factory in the haram village of Dantewada under the brand name Dennex means Dantewada next.

The clothes are being sewed in the factory by village women only. Once prepared , they will be sent in markets throughout the country. About 300 men and women from the village are working in the factory in two shifts.The program aims to provide employment to around 2,000 people.

In a small interview,Collector Deepak Soni told that he wish to make Dantewada, a garment hub. The employment is generated in systematic steps. In first stage training is imparted to new people.   In the second stage, the woman already expert in stitching are trained to make shirts, kurtas and masks.

Providing market

In order to provide a market to these products government has signed a MOU with many government and non-government organizations. It includes MOU for CRPF soldiers, MOU for uniform of NMDC staff and MOU with TRIFED and other garment companies.

Keeping a close eye on the response for Dennex factory in haram village of Dantewada, government aims to open new Dennex outlets at Bacheli, Dantewada and Barsoor also. There is a very inspiring atmosphere in Dantewada related to employment now a day. Apart from garments, handicraft and minor forest produce are also being manufactured here under the brand name Dennex.

Mahua processing hub of Bastar – Dantewada

Mahua, also known as honey flower or butter flower is a tropical tree of Indian origin. It is found largely in plains and forests of central and northern India. Largely found in Bastar, it is being used by tribes to make liquor.

Bastar so far known for Mahua , a flower used for making liquor,is now changing its identity. This change is brought about by Sangwari  Samooh, a  self-help group of women of Dantewada. It is a group of about 30 women which have together established Mahua processing hub in the naxal town Dantewada. They are preparing cookies, halwa, jelly, jam, chunks, Mahua  Kada ,tamarind sauce, jaggery powder and cashew powder here. The group aims to provide employment to about hundred women with increasing demand and supply.

Women associated with this group are too happy to be a part of it. The group has earned about 1.5 lacs in just one week .This innovation not only emerged as a financial support to them but boosted their self-confidence as an independent entrepreneur. The product demand is increasing day by day and helping them to improve their financial condition, giving their children a better upbringing and also spent on health issues.

The Unsung Uttarakhand

 Uttarakhand - the glory unexposed

Do you know for what Uttarakhand is famous for? For it's national parks, tourist places, Pilgrim places or it's specific culture? The state known for its rich biodiversity and specific landscape is in limelight due to production of aromatic organic coal.

The story behind

Whenever we think of coal, the picture which first clicks in our mind is of carbon emission, black soot, suspended polluting particles and emission of greenhouse gases. However contrary to this, the scientists of G B Pant Institute under Himalayan studies mission were able to produce pollution free, organic, aromatic coal successfully. The coal is being made from lantana grass which is termed as enemy of forest and leaves of pine tree also called pirul in local language. This coal not only relieves cold but will also produce fragrance in houses. Under the guidance of Dr Vinay Kumar Sharma, scientist IIT Roorkee, the project of making organic coal was undertaken. For this project Nainital and Almora were chosen. Specialists from Universal Petroleum and Energy Studies Dehradun also helped out in the project of making coal.

For preparing organic coal, pine leaves are collected from forest. Apart from Pine leaves, lemongrass and eucalyptus leaves are also collected. After mixing all of them, they are put together in a crusher which is operated through a 12 volt battery. If the battery discharges the crusher can be operated by a paddle also. A fine powder is obtained through pressure which is mixed with water and put in a mold at a specific pressure. Following this process, round and rectangular shaped coal is obtained. On burning it will spread specific Aroma also.

 The success story

So far fifteen units have been established and more than hundred villagers are trained in making coal. They have gained expertise in making organic coal. The forest department has also preserved about 1000 quintals of lantana and pine leaves stock for future use. Professor Kirit Kumar, the Nodal Officer of this project has told that the coal has antifungal and anti mosquito properties as well.

Haldwani pollinator park

This little state is again in the eye of everyone with the construction of newly inaugurated pollinator park in Haldwani, located in Nainital district. The park is one of its kind in the country which is spread in an area of 4 acres of land. The park aims to create awareness in general public about pollinators, their habitats and to move a step ahead for their conservation. The park contains about 40 pollinator species of various types of organisms like birds, insects, butterflies, beetles, honeybees, moths, small mammals and wasps.

Why pollinators are needed?

Large number of species of plants require pollinators to reproduce further. Without them, the population of these plant species would not survive. In this way, pollinators affect about 35% of agricultural land worldwide and support 87 of the top food crops in the world. The poor species are getting extinct due to loss of habitats, excessive use of fertilizers and pesticides, climatic changes and diseases.

 Construction of park

The park contains several mini habitats for these pollinators hence supporting them for breeding and reproducing. For birds butterflies and moths, plants like rose, jasmine and hibiscus are planted. Plants like curry leaf and many citrus fruit plants are planted to support shelter for eggs, larvae and pupa of the various pollinator species. Bird feeders and nests have also been placed at different positions to attract butterflies and various Birds. Artificial water sources have also been constructed for them to provide favorable conditions for their survival.

Hats off to the forest department of Haldwani and government of Uttarakhand who have gifted to the country the first pollinator Park !

 

Starts Up Of Chattisgarh

Unique Startup in Bastar - the unheard story

Ever heard of a startup investing in brooms ( jhadu) and which is generating a monthly income of 20 lakhs? The fact that these brooms are made in the most remote and geographically inaccessible area of Bastar district of Chattisgarh makes it even more interesting. Hardly a few of you may be knowing about Aboojhmaad area of Chattisgarh known for it's dense evergreen tropical forests. It is spread over 4000 square km in Chattisgarh covering Narayanpur, Bijapur and Dantewada district. It is the home to many indigenous tribes like Gond, Muria, Abujmaria and Halbaas. 

This region is rich in mineral deposits and a large amount of iron ore is being digged from Bailadila region of this area but the native people still remain isolated from the outside world. The Aboojhmaad is known for it's highly inaccessible nature with little or almost no presence of civil adminitration or government activities. 

Geographically also it is being separated by Indravati river from Bastar. In 2008, it was proposed to declare it as biosphere reserve by Government  of India: Because they these reasons, it is a major hub to naxalites  popularly known as Maoists.

 But the beauty lies somewhere else, hats off to the spirit of SDO Ashish Kotarwani who helped out the tribes in their startup by purchasing 900 quintals of jhadu from them. The story starts from Hitulwada village in the Orchha region near a river where the tribal women started their startup of making jhadu by a special kind of grass growing in this area called Tilgum in local language. Later on about hundred families this joined this small but unique venture.

 When the popularity of these jhadu increased, they were improvised even more by Mahila Swa Sahayata Samooh of Narayanpur district and the design was made even better. A MOU was signed by TRIFED to government and the product was sold countrywide especially in the capital city Delhi. A unique example of a beautiful startup from zero. Saluting the spirit and hard work of the tribals but more appreciable is the work done by government to generate employment for them and providing market to them for their welfare and living.

Another interesting Story

Yet another inspiring short story to be listen. This little state has some other significant startups also to be mentioned. Among top agricultural universities of country, stands the first agriculture university of Chattisgarh named Indira Gandhi Krishi Vishwavidyalaya(IGKV).  The university has an incubation centre called "Raftaar Agribusiness Incubator" in which two startup programs namely Udbhav and Abhinav are run  in which selected startups are given chance to showcase there talent. The centre first provides training to the selected entrepreneurs for two months and then their plan is kept for proposal in front of central incubation committee. 

One can wonder how a fabric can be made through khas, a type of grass used in making cooling pads in room coolers  in summer. Ravikant Soni and Namrata Diwakar are two such people which are working on a project to make fabric from khas. 

As khas is popular for it's natural cooling property, the curtains made from it will be cooling the houses and lowering the room temperature during summer time. It will have its natural aroma and at the same time eco-friendly also. At present the thickness of the fabric is 3-5 mm which is to be furthur reduced. After preparing prototype, getting raw material for making fabric and making a machine for it was challenging as well. The plan also proposes making clothes from Khas. An awesome ecofriendly approach!