Gorakh makes it Big !

Meet Gorakh Kahalat. Originally from a farming family, he is a successful businessman and the biggest dealer in selling irrigation equipment in Kem, a village near Pune (India). Taylor-made drip irrigation systems designed by him have proved very beneficial for his customers. He has also innovated a di

fferent design of “ventury” (a component in drip irrigation equipment).

After reading this information,

one might assume that Gorakh probably has an engineering degree or a diploma …but hold on, he doesn’t!

A few years ago, Gorakh was facing several problems in his life. As his family was traditionally into agriculture, he tried his hand at farming but was unsuccessful due to dry agricultural land and lack of availability of water. He tried various alternatives to earn a livelihood and to settle down in life. Gorakh started a tractor service in partnership with a friend but unfortunately could not succeed. Naturally this undermined his confidence.

Gorakh , however, continued doing odd jobs to earn his livelihood. His knack and liking for technical work were noticed when he worked on the job of laying a pipeline in the field. He also participated in the Swadheen project(meaning self-motivated) of LAHI which provides vocational training and career guidance to young boys and girls from urban and rural communities in pre-identified trades. A plan to depute some youths like Gorakh to Vigyan Ashram in Pabal for doing Diploma in Basic Rural Technology was taking shape and Gorakh was enthusiastic for participating in the same. Unfortunately he was refused admission on account of age. He then joined as an instructor for IBT programme (Introduction to Basic Technology- programme conducted in schools) and got the opportunity to get training at Vigyan Ashram.

Even while working as an IBT Intrstuctor Gorakh realized that there was need of providing drip irriagtion equipement to farmers in his water starved area. He received guidance regarding raising capital, marketing, and other business- related matters by LAHI. This, coupled with the practical experience that he got while working as an IBT instructor at Vigyan Ashram, resulted in good growth in his business; so much so that he had to give up the instructor’s job to concentrate solely on the business.

Today, because of his technical skill, hard work and his passion for learning new things, he is a leading entrepreneur in the area. He has become biggest dealer of irrigation equipment in the area and other dealers seek his guidance and see him as an inspiration.

Gorakh had no formal degree or diploma in engineering. But he had an engineeringbent of mind. All he needed was confidence, expert guidance and mentoring. He sincerely acknowledges that he has reached to the present status only because oftraining he received at Vigyan Ashram, his work experience as an IBT instructor, support of LAHI-Swaadheen and guidance from Dr. Ankush talekar and Mr Prabhakar patil of Vidyarthi Sahayak Samiti (a pioneering institution supporting underprivileged boys and girls).

Gorakh belives in giving back to people who supported him and to the entire community .He has offered 2 acres of his land to LAHI and Swaadheen Social Welfare Association for their use and encourages more youth to shed their laziness and start working. He keeps in touch and is always available for guidance through Swaadheen.

Gorakh’s story is a perfect example of how proper guidance, encouragement and techical skills can translate stumbling blocks into stepping stones!