Grassroots Innovation

A moral dilemma gripped Anil K. Gupta when he was invited by the Bangladeshi government to help restructure their agricultural on-farm research sector in 1985. He noticed how the marginalized farmers were being paid poorly for their otherwise unmatched knowledge. The gross injustice of this constant imbalance led Gupta to found what would turn into a resounding social and ethical movement-the Honey Bee Network-bringing together and elevating thousands of grassroots innovators.For over two decades Gupta has travelled through rural lands along with hundreds of volunteers of the Network unearthing innovations by the ranks-from the famed Mitti Cool refrigerator to the root bridge of Meghalaya. He insists that to fight the largest and most persistent problems of the world we must not rely only on expensive research labs but also look towards ordinary folk and eventually build bridges between the formal and informal sectors. Innovation-that oft-flung-around word-is stripped to its core in this book.Poignant and personal Grassroots Innovation is an important treatise from a social crusader of our time. Review This is indeed a fascinating story of realizing the dream of democratization of innovation of one of the most iconic innovation leaders in India told in his own inimitable style. To me it is a must-read -- R.A. MashelkarContinuing the Gandhian tradition of padayatra . . . will convince anyone still not convinced about the innate creativity and innovative potential at the grassroots -- Ela BhattIt serves as a powerful inspiration for governments to support creativity where it matters most -- at the grassroots. I recommend it for anyone interested in improving human well-being -- Calestous JumaHe is almost single-handedly creating a national ecosystem to nurture grassroots innovations and this book provides glimpses into how he has been devoting his boundless energies towards what he has taken to be his sacred calling -- Vijay KelkarHis [Guptas] efforts which promote and cross-pollinate grassroots entrepreneurship have resulted in more than 120000 inventions so farWall Street JournalThe Honey Bee Network is one of the most remarkable organizations on earth and if you have never heard of it then you probably ought to have doneBBC NewsThe Ideas ManHindustan Times About the Author Anil K. Gupta is a CSIR Bhatnagar Fellow and the founder of the Honey Bee Network SRISTI GIAN techpedia.in gyti.techepdia.in and the National Innovation Foundation with the assistance of the Department of Science and Technology Government of India. After a stint of nearly four decades as a professor at IIMA he continues to pursue his love for teaching on augmenting innovations for societal good as a visiting professor at IIMA & IIT Bombay post retirement..A poet at heart he dabbles in art and explores authenticity in all pursuits. His mission is to ensure respect recognition and rewards for creative children and unsung innovators at the grassroots level besides unleashing innovation potential in all sectors and at all levels for the larger social good.A widely published author he has received numerous awards and honours for championing the cause of the grassroots innovation movement in India and many other countries.For more information log on to anilg.sristi.org