By Somali K Chakrabarti
“Innovation opens up new vistas of knowledge and new dimensions to our imagination to make everyday life more meaningful and richer in depth and content.”
~ Dr APJ Abdul Kalam
While most people know about camel rides in the deserts of Rajasthan, not many would have heard about a bus that it is driven by a camel.
The idea of the camel driven bus was conceived by a school teacher late Radhey Shyam Mishra , as a means of safely transporting students to and from school through the desert. His friend, Mewaram Jangid, who was a skilled carpenter developed the bus in 1972, which provided an affordable solution for mass transportation in rural desert areas.
Seven such buses are still used to transport over 400 students to Bhanwarlal Kala Bal Mandir School in Churu, Rajasthan. According to the school principal, the school has developed a distinct identity because of the Camel bus and other schools in the area have also followed suit. Buses currently used by the school are still based on the same design.
The Camel Bus is a simple, affordable, and efficient local solution social innovation developed by creative individuals for solving a local problem.
The Center of social Innovation, Stanford Business School defines Social Innovation as:
A social innovation is a novel solution to a social problem that is more effective, efficient, sustainable, or just than current solutions. The value created accrues primarily to society rather than to private individuals.
Many times, these innovations from the informal sectors of our country remain localized. As such, their potential growth gets constrained, and the benefits are confined to a small section. To overcome this challenge and support the social change agents, volunteers of Honey Bee Network scout, spawn and sustain such frugal innovations at the grassroots level.
This instance of social innovation was spotted by the Honey Bee Network, and it was appreciated in National Innovation Forum, a body which works towards promoting creativity and social innovations at grassroots.
More examples of grassroots innovation are given in the post Frugal Innovation – bringing Grassroots creativity to the Global stage.
In the words of Dr. R.A. Mashelkar, Chairperson, Governing Council National Innovation Foundation, Ahmedabad
“The purpose of innovation is to create a new value for an individual, team, organization or for society at large.”
References and Image credit:
- National Innovation Foundation, Rajasthan Innovates
If you like this post, please consider following the blog.
Please like, share and/or leave feedback in comments below!
Such an amazing innovation. I have never heard of a camel driving a bus. This is amazing, and amazing to hear that this is sort of a school bus for quite a few students today. Nice to hear that it is getting a bit of recognition too. Who knows, maybe more schools in India might want to use this bit of transportation 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you Mabel. A camel pulling a bus looks like a unique thing suited to the terrain in that particular part of India. 😀
LikeLiked by 1 person
Such an ingenious innovation. Classic example of a creative and innovative mind. Thanks for sharing this piece of information. Was not aware of it!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you Radhika. Yeah, strange it is, and seems to be serving the purpose well.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Wow! never heard of that. and such innovation. In a way it is safe too cos there are children involved. Thanks for sharing. Super amazing.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you Parul.
LikeLiked by 1 person
While I appreciate the creative and innovative element here, the thought of using animals still as a mode of transport in this modern era of technology distresses me beyond words. I also wonder whether camels do have that much horse power and strength of horses or elephants to pull a bus load of people.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Sunita, You have a point about the use of animals as a mode of transport but probably it was the most appropriate localized solution in that part of desert where normal buses could not ply and camels were available in plenty.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I do find reasoning in the use of camels in desert conditions as buses but cannot fathom the ship of the desert to become a bus:)
LikeLike
I have seen these so many times, many years ago in small town we’re originally from during our visits. it was quite common. I’m sure it won’t be there now cause it must have been replaced by Tata magic!
LikeLiked by 2 people
What’s so common for you is so uncommon for us. 🙂 Seems a few buses are still running.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Quite innovative but I hope the load isn’t too much for a single camel to ferry !
LikeLiked by 2 people
Yup I hope the four aircraft wheels carry much of the load. Thank you Hargun. 🙂
LikeLiked by 3 people
I hope they are not booked for ‘animal cruelty’…the new popular fad to appear kind to animals and not caring for human beings!! This should be a wake up call for those who claim to have done great service to the poor rural people. Reminds me of the age-old sarcasm of Sahir Ludhianavi…”Jinhe naaz hai Hind par who kahan hai?!!!”
watch here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3ta4BmumQKc
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you Balroop. Though these things may seem small, but these people have certainly done something to improve the lives of others in their community, so deserve to be acknowledged. The lyrics of the song are too good. Thanks for sharing. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Wow! I saw a double-decker camel-driven bus for the first time. It’s a great, eco-friendly innovation.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes cart was still thinkable , a double decker bus wasn’t. Thank you.
LikeLiked by 1 person
That’s amazing! What a strong animal! No waste or pollution — ingenious but probably at turtle pace. Thanks for sharing Somali. I had no idea such a thing existed.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Nor did I till sometime back. Thank you Rose. 🙂
LikeLike
A great idea!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you Mick.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Quite an innovative idea and pocket-friendly too. Never heard of them and it’s just like what you have said in response to Arv’s comment, “What’s so common for you is so uncommon for us”.
Kalam’s quote just fits perfectly… 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you Maniparna. This is a bit off track, but people in many states would not have heard of hand pulled rickshaws that were once common in Kolkata. I felt very bad when I had heard first time of those, but later once or twice I too have ridden a hand rickshaw. Are they still seen?
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes, much less in number, but they are there. Mostly found in north Kolkata.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I love that not every solution has to be the latest and greatest hi-tech…sometimes the answer is common sense and resources at hand.
LikeLiked by 1 person
There you are bang on Graham. Using resources at hand to come up with effective solutions.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Perhaps the colloquial terminology for social innovation is jugaad! Nice informative post
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you Geetashree. Jugaad in colloquial term has a negative connotation attached with it due to compromise on safety and sustainability. Frugal innovation on the other hand also makes use of resources at hand to create effective solutions for addressing poblem, without compromising highly on safety. Here’s post I had written on Jugaad. https://prepforum.wordpress.com/2014/08/28/jugaad-innovation-is-not-sustainable/
LikeLiked by 1 person
Great post 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Rupam. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks for that wonderful camel bus ride, Somali! I learned something new today.
~PR
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you SlasherMonster. Glad that you enjoyed the ride. 🙂
LikeLiked by 2 people
good initiative……..
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you Sudhir.
LikeLiked by 1 person
सोमाली, उंट वाली बस के बारे में जानकर बहुत अच्छा लगा। शेयर करने के लिए धन्यवाद।
LikeLiked by 1 person
Shukriya Jyoti ji.
LikeLike
This is a first for me I had not heard of a camel bus before Somali and found this post very interesting as to how they came about and they still are in existence.. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you Sue. For many of us in India too, this is something unusual – an example of solution suited to a particular geography. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
I at first felt sorry for the Camel until you see the size of him, and I know they can carry huge loads.. 🙂 Many thanks again Somali.. Have a wonderful week xxx
LikeLiked by 1 person
You too have a wonderful week Sue. xxx
LikeLiked by 1 person
I like the idea.. this reminds me of the OX driven bus .. during the intiital schooling in our village had to travel miles .. and the cart was the mode of transport..
Sometimes I envy as I am grwoing oldr and meet young people I feel do do they know the pleasure we had in that little ride going at probably 1KMPH .. 🙂
My grandpa use to have a Horse but he would not let us use the horse on the cart ..
LikeLiked by 1 person
OX driven bus! That’s a novelty too! You are lucky to have enjoyed such a ride in your schooldays. 🙂
LikeLike
I do like the idea, but somehow sympathize with the poor camel! Normally camel rides have only a couple of people to be ferried, but here it is a group.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Alok. You’re right, but there are wheels too.
LikeLiked by 1 person
That’s good to know 😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
I had not heard about the camel bus. As usual your post adds to my knowledge. Thanks for sharing, Somali.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks for sharing Somali
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks for stopping by Lynn. 🙂
LikeLike
That’s some interesting piece of information Somali.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you Leena. Nice to see you.
LikeLike
Somali, you have touched on a very profound thought “social innovation” and it as an aspect of life which is so vital to us but somehow it gets constantly lost in the game of bigger economy and in the sphere of technology. Everything as regard innovation gets slotted into the bigger economic impact and into the dimension of technology disruption.
These small and powerful innovation at the grassroots level and the impact these changes have on the lives of people who are struggling and living a hard life with limited resources. In-spite of the might of government and bigger private companies basic aspects of good health services and education services remains a distant dream for many in the urban life not to speak of the life in the rural belt. This is indeed a wonderful example of how small social innovation can have a big impact in the lives and living of people who have limited resources. It is just not about the economy but also the limited branding they have been able to achieve with this unique idea which by itself an innovation in the thinking of the people who are left with little choices.
The other important aspects which affects the replication and multiplication of such innovation is lack of concerted effort to take it far and wide and make it available to a larger audience, here is where the Honey Bee Network plays a significant role and making such small innovation reach a large section of our society who are living in adversity and looking for solutions that can change their life.
😀
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you Nihar. You’re right that while innovation at the grassroot level may not be advanced in the use of technology but the enormous impact they have on improving the lives of people who have to do with meagre resources cannot be overlooked because a majority of the population of our country still resides in villages. Only when all those people have access to good education, proper health conditions and employment opportunities, real economic development is possible. For that innovation at the grassroot level needs to be spotted and encouraged further, which institutions like National Innovation Forum and networks such as Honey Bee Network are doing.
Btw thoroughly enjoyed reading your post on Innovation-Managing the internal perspective. Keep writing such useful and informative stuff. 😀
LikeLiked by 1 person
I fully agree Somali with your thought that how can we bring more cost effective and easily accessible solutions to people in our village and the bulk of our manpower resources are residing there and are lacking the wherewithal to make things happen and transform there life which affects the social and economic index of the country. Unless they are part of the mainstream and are productive and meaningfully engaged, we will not grow as a nation and become a developed country.
Yes in this context as rightly pointed out institutions and organisation both public and private like National Innovation Forum to Honey Bee Network can make huge differences to way we can collective and collaboratively change the society…this can happen if small innovation to bigger innovation both go hand in hand…
Thanks so much and always enjoy your insightful exchange of ideas.
😀
LikeLiked by 1 person
Wow this is a great initiative!! Never saw this, very interesting and ingenious 🙂
LikeLike
What an excellent idea, as long as the camel doesn’t mind and it is not to much of a strain on the animal.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you for your valuable comment.
LikeLike