Innovation and ingenuity were always the hallmark of rural technologists in the country and Mylarapu Rajanna only carries the tradition forward in tune with the times. He has not only simplified the mechanism to sharpen knives and scissors but has the pedal-driven 'machine' mounted on the rear of his moped which makes his task of moving around much easier.
Rajanna is a 'retired' lorry driver from Mendapally in Indervelli mandal whose comparatively larger area of operation covers the mandals of Gudihatnoor, Indervelli, Utnoor, Narnoor and Jainoor. He visits one mandal every week and ferrets out enough work to earn him a decent income of over Rs. 200 per day, after expenses.
“I park my moped on its stand and sit in the reverse direction on the pillion to operate the pedals,” says the 60-year-old toiler as he introduces his innovation to The Hindu. I have made this machine by using parts of a cycle and of course, the grinding stone,” he adds.
The machine consists of a discarded cycle rim, a cycle gear apparatus with chain and pedals and a rouded grinding stone. The speed of the grinding stone is controlled in the same manner as that in a bicycle.
“It takes about 5 minutes to sharpen a kitchen knife or the scissors used by the pan wallah. Heavier knives and cleavers of the butchers require more speed for the grinding stone and consume more time,” Rajanna reveals.
The former lorry driver's love of film and bhakti music even has him improvise a music system and add to his moped mounted paraphernalia. “The music not only keeps me engrossed but attracts customers when the loudspeaker gets blaring at the village square,” he points out the old-fashioned round speaker within the gap in the handlebar just under the grinding stone.
