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Sagar Gubbi

 
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Bosch Vaahan

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A ‘vehicle’ of change in the lives of rural artisans

Long ago, I had heard this very interesting quote: ‘Sometimes things could be right under your nose, the only problem is your eyes are above it”. And that’s exactly what happened to me recently. I profile various for-profit and non-profit initiatives for the base of the pyramid, but ‘Bosch Vaahan’, an initiative from my employer Bosch, didn’t come to my notice until very recently.
 
Bosch Vaahan is an initiative of the Power Tools division of Bosch (not many people know that Bosch is not only about Automotive Technology). Launched in April 2006, the ‘Vaahan’ (which translates into a ‘vehicle’ in Hindi) is a mini-bus which carries sophisticated Power Tools to rural areas. A wide range of woodworking, construction and metalworking tools catering to the needs of rural carpenters, metalworking artisans, plumbers etc are carried by the ‘vaahan’, which visits different villages. Product demonstrations and information sessions are conducted by the ‘vaahan’ officials in rural areas. Rural artisans can try out these tools for their work. The tools are available for purchase to rural artisans at subsidized prices. Bosch has tied up with several banks, including Canara Bank and Andhra Bank, to offer attractive loan schemes for the rural folk to buy these tools.
 
The ‘vaahan’ traveled extensively in Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh states of Southern India in its first phase and became quite popular. This popularity encouraged Bosch to launch a similar vaahan in North India last year. Plans are afoot to launch more vaahans to cater to the Western, Eastern and Central parts of India.
 

The Vaahan is a wonderful initiative since it creates win-win situations for all the stakeholders involved – Bosch has found a new market for its products; rural artisans get access to the latest tools to enhance their skills and products; banks can disburse more loans in rural areas. This is a novel way of market creation at the base of the pyramid and blends well with the Bosch tag line: ‘Invented for Life’!

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Comments: 3

Hi!!!

Posted by Bhagyashri Katti at May 07, 2009 11:12 PM

Hi Sagar, Ya this is really a win-win situation. A gr8 idea,very innovative! Felt nice to be a Boschler :)

Admirable initiative by Bosch

Posted by Prakash Murthy at May 07, 2009 11:12 PM

Hi Sagar, This is indeed a great idea. I have been recently digging into the depths of the cyberspace to learn about the various efforts being done towards improving the lives of the poor in India. It is in this adventure that I came across Social Edge and your blog.

Am from Bangalore; now based in US, and very much interested in contributing to the betterment of India and Karnataka and Bangalore.... Your blog entries gives me confidence that the drive to help Indian poor is widely prevalent. Looking forward to know more about these kinds of efforts through your blog.

Regards, Prakash

Bosch Vahan

Posted by SV Nagappa at May 07, 2009 11:12 PM

Hello Sagar

Yes this is a good initiative but can Bosch convert these tools to 12v as they can be done independently by using a car battery independent of whether the artisan has electricity in the house or not. A battery charging service can be developed and charged batteries can be delivered to remote area whihc can be used for 12v electicity, use of tools etc. This can only have additional help to rural people in remote areas. As an agricultural scientist I use tools using car battery or a generator hooked to a battery all the time so I know it can be done. Also could we have an award for enterprenurs at the bottom of the pyramid ie those who overcome adversities and develop initiatives and businesses out of nothing. This would increase the bottom of the pyramid movement and help others to to think and develop solutions. Good wook. Keep it up.

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