Simple ideas often churn major benefits. Like the ‘e-charka’ developed by R S Hiremath, a Bangalore-based entrepreneur.

Even as the wheel produces yarn, its motion is converted into electricity making use of a 3-phase A/c generator which in turn is connected to lead acid batteries. Operation of the ‘charka’ for four hours as is the average, can generate electricity to operate a LED light and play a radio for over seven hours. “This is more than adequate for rural homes,” says Hiremath.

Mechanical motion has been converted into electricity since long-time. The classic examples are hydel projects. But, Hiremath whose main focus is to empower the rural folks - was looking for simpler solutions when he hit upon the ‘e-charka, ’ which took him two years to develop.

The cost of the charka is approximately Rs 3,000. The Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC), together with whom the project was implemented, plans to induct 2 lakh pieces of e-charka at Khadi weaving centres across the country.  The ‘e-charka’ will be launched by the President on November 19 to commemorate the birth anniversary of Indira Gandhi.

Mr Hiremath is the Managing Director of ‘Flexitron’, a renewable energy solutions provider, which is into many innovative and cost-effective lighting devices. Among its popular products are ‘solar powered battery charger for hearing aids’, ‘solar lights for hawkers and fishermen’, ‘solar agro hullers’ and ‘oil extractors’, ‘solar street lighting’, etc.

In his unit at Koramangala, he has employed hearing and speech impaired people to assemble the PV units for the hearing aids. “With our charger, the hearing aid battery can be used for more than 9 years,” says Hiremath.