HOME	[ Search site: ] jump to navigational links

Employment > Awards > N.C.P.E.D.P. - Shell Helen Keller Awards 2004

Nishant Dattatray Mhatre: Weaving new dreams

A holder of a diploma in Man-made Textile Technology, Nishant has been employed by the Bombay Textile Research Association (BTRA) as Senior Scientific Officer and Project Coordinator since 1987. His specific responsibilities are the development of textile machines geared towards increasing productivity, reducing production costs and improving product quality.

Nishant's is a classic case of going beyond the call of duty. He has been working on the development of a low-cost handloom that can be operated by a disabled person. Development work was carried out at BTRA from August 2003 to May 2004.

Nishant's rationale was simple: though handloom machines had been undergoing regular modifications towards increasing productivity and improving the quality of fabric produced, the concept of a disabled person operating such machines was unheard of. He realised that, in order to provide employment to disabled people, it was essential that they be operated without electricity, always in short or no supply in semi-urban or rural areas. This also complemented the fact that, since the operation was to be completely powered by humans, the chance of accidents would be minimised.

After the development of the prototype, Nishant demonstrated precise productivity levels and earning potential for people with different kinds of disabilities at field trials at the Vocational Rehabilitation Centre for disabled people in Mumbai.

His pioneering work and lead role in the project culminated in the demonstration of the Working Model of the BTRA Modified Handloom on 19th August, and its display at the Samarthaya 2004 Exhibition at Patna in October.

Since 1988, Nishant has been periodically honoured with BTRA, CD Foundation and Shri G.D. Birla Awards for his path-breaking efforts in the modification and development of various kinds of looms.

Senior Scientific Officer & Project Co-ordinator,
Bombay Textile Research Association.
1/4, BTRA Staff Quarters,
Opp. Agra Road Industrial Estate,
Lal Bahadur Shastri Marg,
Ghatkopar (West),
Mumbai 400086.
Phone: +91-22-250 03651, 250 02652
E-mail: btra@vsnl.com

Printer-friendly version | E-mail this page to a friend

Main links in the Employment section: Placements | Job Opportunities | Schemes | Awards | Incentives | Issues and Trends | Success Stories

Other links in the Employment section: F.A.Q.s | Research Studies | What the Law says