A.P Chandrashekhar

When the entire world is forced to seek ways to protect the environment from increasing pollution and global heat, in such a situation, there are alert personalities and creative talents in the country who pledged to realise the dream of a self-reliant India and make swadeshi an essential part of life. Beholding these personalities by thinking about them and knowing their work achievements ignites a feeling of pride and self-respect. Shri A.P. Chandrashekhar, a mechanical engineer from the Lalwadi area in the Mysuru district of Karnataka state, is one such personality who has inspired the youth and especially the educated young generation. He shattered the myth prevalent that by earning more qualifications, we will work abroad instead of in our country.

Like the rest, he also worked for his livelihood and needs by pursuing educational ventures. In 1981, after completing his undergraduate and postgraduate degrees, Chandrashekhar Ji worked for 10 months with various companies. Gradually, he realised that he was not made for such urban jobs, but for helping those who are eager to annihilate their grains and field for chemical farming. A campaign of organic farming can only be effectively operated through an engineer. On this divine miracle change, Chandrashekhar Ji asserts that “from home, family and village, I got this idea of organic farming which motivated me to consider the various methods and I decided that I had to leave the rush of jobs and return to my village. To explain the method of biological flora and fauna to their people correctly. I started with my home and farming, family, kinship then developed this thought from village to village that from organic farming expenditure costs of modern equipment of agriculture and fertilisers etc. will be saved and it will also cause minimal destruction of nature. I am proud that the background of traditional farming pulled me back towards the village.”

Today 14 acres of dry land is being irrigated from Chandrashekhar Ji house, not from borewells but from wells. Initially, he recalls that he too emphasized the use of modern methods which were expensive. However, within a year, he felt that the work of cultivation is not feasible vis this method. Moreover, all farmers alike believe in God, who embodies organic farming.

In order to further strengthen this selfless spirit of seva, Sant Eshwer Foundation has honoured A.P. Chandrashekhar Ji with Sant Eshwer Samman for the year 2021.