Anand Mahindra, chairman of Mahindra group who is known for the knack of his entrepreneurship skills is active on the social media platform more often than not. He always chips in with interesting, inspiring and entertaining posts.
Anand Mahindra, the chairman of the Mahindra Group, recently shared an inspiring video on his Twitter handle that showcases the remarkable ingenuity of a man who built a hand-made vehicle.
The video, reportedly from Maharashtra, highlights the creativity and resourcefulness of this individual, who created a six-seater vehicle entirely from scratch. The front of the vehicle resembles the iconic Willys Jeep, featuring the recognizable grille with vertical slats and round headlamps.
Dubbed a “jugaad”—a term commonly used in India to describe innovative, makeshift solutions—the vehicle is unpainted and functional. It has a flat seat for the driver and co-driver in the front, along with two side-facing flat seats at the rear, each capable of seating two passengers. Notable features include a unique kick-starter on the right-hand side and a left-hand-side steering wheel, which appears to have been adapted from an auto-rickshaw’s steering assembly and powertrain.
In his tweet, Anand Mahindra lauded the man’s resourcefulness and innovative spirit, especially given the limited resources he had at his disposal. However, Mahindra also noted that such vehicles are not legally permissible on public roads due to safety and environmental concerns.
Impressed by the sheer effort and creativity demonstrated by the driver, Mahindra announced a heartwarming gesture: he will gift the man a brand-new Mahindra Bolero. This move comes in light of the fact that the homemade vehicle, while impressive, does not adhere to the necessary rules and regulations for road use.
To further honor the ingenuity behind the creation, Mahindra also revealed plans to display the “jugaad” at Mahindra Research Valley. He believes it will serve as a powerful source of inspiration for the engineers and innovators working there, showcasing how effective solutions can be crafted with minimal resources and expertise.
The Mahindra Bolero, a household name in India, especially in rural areas, is celebrated for its durability and ability to accommodate multiple passengers. A mainstay in Mahindra’s lineup for over two decades, the Bolero remains one of the best-selling utility vehicles in the country. The latest BS6-compliant version of the Bolero is powered by a 1.5-liter three-cylinder diesel engine that delivers 75 bhp of power and 210 Nm of torque. While it may not offer premium comfort features, its robust ladder-on-frame chassis and rear-wheel-drive system make it an ideal choice for rugged terrains and rural settings.
This thoughtful gesture by Anand Mahindra not only recognizes the hard work and ingenuity of the individual but also reinforces the importance of celebrating grassroots innovation. By displaying the homemade vehicle at Mahindra Research Valley, Mahindra aims to inspire others to think creatively and find solutions, no matter the constraints.