Date:05/05/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/05/05/stories/2008050555891100.htm

Karnataka - Bangalore

Using green fuel for campaign

M. Raghuram

Ahmed is winner of the Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam Parisara Prashathi
He is spending the award money on campaigning

— Photo: K. Gopinathan

Green campaign: Sajjan Ahmed on his solar powered car in Bangalore.

BANGALORE: Nobody could be keen in electioneering than an innovator who will put money he won as a part of a State-level award into campaigning.

Sayyad Sajjan Ahmed, who is an innovator of sorts, is contesting the Assembly elections from Chamarajpet.

Mr. Ahmed says: “I am contesting to give voice to the scientific community, there is hardly anybody who can do this job among the present list of contestants in the State. At least if I am elected, I can try to get some help for the innovators.”

Mr. Ahmed, who arrived in his “solar car” to this newspaper’s office, said he had spent nearly Rs. 1 lakh on the fabrication of the car. He had earlier fabricated two two-wheelers, one electro-solar car and another solar three-wheeler. “Protection of environment is the biggest challenge before scientists and innovators, but there is no political power with them to implement schemes for environmental protection on a scientific basis”

He is the winner of the Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam Parisara Prashathi given to him on World Environment Day held on June 6, 2006. As a part of the award, he received a cash incentive of Rs.1 lakh, which he is now going to on his campaigning. He says the Raman Research Institute in the city, the Karnataka Renewable Energy Development Limited and Karnataka State Pollution Control Board had recognised his innovative spirit and helped him.

Mr. Ahmed says: “Big political parties should allow me to contest in the election and win. I am sure I will help them in bringing up environment-friendly alternative transport system and other devices.”

Mr. Ahmed uses one of the solar cars during his campaign. But most of the times he walks.