Common Man Lights Up Lives At Bajhoi

By Suparna Chakaraborthy

Friday, April 23, 2010, 11:35

This summer most parts of India is reeling under power cuts and so is Bajhoi, a city in Uttar Pradesh. In such a situation, Omkar, a local electrician with his innovative idea has become the savior of this locality.

The city has been notified of power cut for 22 hours. Omkar, called by the local people as "Bijili Wala", came to the rescue at this time of crisis and lighted up the area by arranging electricity supply with a chain of some 300 CFLs (Compact Fluorescent Lights).

Spending his small savings to buy new parts and reusing the old ones from his electricity shop, Omkar, makes invertors and connects them to main power supply.

Omkar Vaishnav, says, it was his attempt to save the locality from problems they face during power cuts.

He reveals that during power cuts he has witnessed girls being harassed by eve teasers while waiting for the train and robbery also goes on a rise. It is then when he decided to take up this responsibility.

The process of lighting up streets began about eight years ago. "Now my chain of CFLs has extended to the local temple also. It is now 10 km long and the girls can move freely. Earlier, it was very difficult for them to go to the temple. There is an area where girls go to get coaching; I have provided electricity there as well. Also it is dark at six in the morning during winter and rainy season, so it saves locals from many problems," says Omkar.

For the local residents Omkar is a hero. One of the residents say, "He has not asked anyone for help. He arranged all of it by himself. What praise can I give? There are no words to praise him. All I can say is that he has saved locals from many problems."