India’s ‘Edison’: Class 3 dropout, self-taught engg

In India's journey towards self-reliance, the story of Gopalswamy Doraiswamy Naidu, affectionately known as the "Edison of India," serves as a testament to the power of curiosity, ingenuity, and determination. Born in 1893 in Tamil Nadu, Naidu left school after Class 3, yet his passion for understanding how things worked never waned. At 16, he stumbled upon a motorcycle owned by a British officer, igniting a lifelong fascination with machines.

Without formal education in engineering, Naidu taught himself by dismantling and reassembling the motorcycle, learning about its gears, wires, and components. This hands-on approach laid the foundation for his future inventions. In 1930, Naidu established New Electric Works in Coimbatore, where he developed India's first electric motor, marking a significant breakthrough in local technological development.

Naidu's passion for innovation extended beyond electric motors. He created a kerosene-powered fan for areas without electricity, an electric razor called "Rasant," a mechanical calculator, a ticket vending machine, and a five-valve radio. He also applied his inventive spirit to agriculture, growing unusually tall cotton plants and thick millet.

Beyond his business pursuits, Naidu believed in the importance of practical education. In 1944, he stepped away from business to focus on education and social work, helping establish a polytechnic college in Coimbatore. His G.D. Naidu Charities supported researchers and workers, emphasizing that innovation should have a practical impact on people's lives.

Naidu passed away in 1974, but his legacy lives on as a shining example of self-taught innovation in India. C. V. Raman hailed him as "truly a man in a million," underscoring the extraordinary nature of his achievements. Naidu's story serves as a reminder that innovation can emerge from any corner of society, driven by curiosity and the desire to understand the world around us.