GD. Naidu the unsung "Edison of India"

As quoted by Gurajada a Telugu poet " Nation does not mean about mud and soil, but People".

It is absolutely apt for a country like India. Today's India is the product of many unsung hero's knowledge, contributions, and sacrifices. In the list of India's unsung heroes, GD Naidu will be one of the prominent names.

GD Naidu is an Innovator who manufactured India's first electric motor, a businessman who established his own transportation company, A Photographer who has filmed the funeral of king George V in London, and A Philanthropist who played a key role in establishing India's first polytechnic college.

GD Naidu is referred as the "Edison of India" for his contributions to engineering and industrial innovations.

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Gopalaswamy Doraswamy Naidu (GD. Naidu) was born on 23rd March 1893 in a small farming family in kalangal village near Coimbatore, Tamil Naidu. GD Naidu is a playful boy who is not interested in going to school and he is dropped out of school studies.

Innovator

Even though he dropped out of his studies, He worked as a server in a hotel to obtain money to buy a motorcycle. Later he bought a motorcycle with the earned money and started spending time in dismantling and reassembling the engine parts and became a mechanic. GD Naidu is fascinated by automobiles. His collection of cars and motorbikes is exhibited in the GD Naidu Museum in Coimbatore.

GD Naidu also developed the first Indigenous electric motor along with D. Balasundaram Naidu.

And his curiosity and innovation were not limited there. His inventions have no size limitations. he made many inventions and here are the list of GD. Naidu's inventions.

Automatic Water Level Indicator GD Naidu invented an automatic water level recorder that could measure and record water levels in rivers and reservoirs.

Sugar Cane harvester GD Naidu invented a mechanical sugar cane harvester which revolutionized the process of harvesting more efficiently.

Rustless Soap GD Naidu developed a rustless soap that prevented iron and steel from rusting or corrosion.

Theater Equipment GD Naidu's interest in photography leads to the development and manufacturing of theater equipment that synchronizes the sound and film which enhances the watching experience.

Electric bike GD Naidu built an electric bike that helps in an emission helps-free environment

Electric razor is one of the prominent products in his list of inventions.

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Businessman

GD Naidu's story as a businessman is another interesting and learnable phase to today's generation, After working as a mechanic, He started a travel business in 1920, by purchasing an automobile coach. GD Naidu started running it between Pollachi and Pallani. In a few years from a single bus to a fleet of 280 buses GD Naidu's United Motor Services(UMS) expanded like a wow.

GD Naidu played a key role in the development and establishment of the Flying Club in Coimbatore. To promote aviation to regionals. He is the one who owned a Rolls-Royce car in those time in India.during

Photographer

GD Naidu is also a photography enthusiast who traveled around the globe and captured many stalwarts. He also met Adolf Hitler in his tour in Germany.

GD Naidu has filmed historic moments like the funeral of King George V in London and the interaction of Mahatma Gandhi, Nehru, and Subhas Chandra Bose.

Philanthropist

GD Naidu implemented many philanthropic measures after retirement from his businesses. With Naidu's contribution and personal involvement resulted, In the establishment of India's first polytechnic college the Arthur Polytechnic and the Arthur Hope College of Engineering. Now called as Government College of Technology.

GD Naidu announced several philanthropic measures in providing grants for research scholarships and welfare schemes for depressed people of society.

Recently An announcement that Actor Madhavan is playing the role of GD Naidu. That film may unravel more insights of GD Naidu's life .

There is a museum called GeDee Car Museum in Coimbatore which exhibits the collection of varios cars of GD Naidu. Here is an image of exhibits from GD Naid's

Image credit: Gedee car museum

GD Naidu is an Example for today's generation who are depressed in career making and who are letting down their passion and ideas for social race. Naidu's story as an "Edison of India" may light up the jeel in young India to innovate and not to let their passions down.