In the timeless words of Walt Disney, “All our dreams can come true if we have the courage to pursue them.” These words find a living testament in the spirited journey of Swaminathan Ramji, a 79-year-old artisan whose story reads like a tale spun from the fabric of dreams.
Nestled in Mysore, amidst the fervor of Dasara, his creative haven, Craftizan, is not just a facility but a testament to the indomitable spirit that propels dreams into reality. Ramji’s journey, akin to a miniature rocket ascending against all odds, mirrors the essence of courage, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to turning childhood passions into lifelong pursuits. As we delve into his narrative, we embark on a voyage that transcends age, proving that dreams are ageless and the pursuit of passion knows no bounds.
Ramji’s Rocket Odyssey:
Craftizan, located in the industrial heart of Belwadi, Mysore, is a space nerd’s dream. Inside, aluminum-crafted models of space launch vehicles, including GSLVs, antennae, and landers, stand at a meticulous 1:300 scale. What started with 500 models has burgeoned into the production of over 2,000 daily, spurred by ISRO’s success with Chandrayaan-3.
A Passion Ignited in Childhood:
Ramji’s journey traces back to his childhood, where an antique Meccano set, a gift from his father in 1952, sparked his passion for scale models. Graduating as an engineer in 1967, he delved into carpentry, working on projects like the iconic Hotel Oberoi in Bangalore in 1990. Despite setbacks, he preserved his love for models, eventually founding Craftizan in 2018.
Modeling Dreams into Reality:
Craftizan’s maiden project for ISRO, the “ISRO on Wheels,” featuring a bus laden with satellites and rockets, kickstarted a partnership that has only grown stronger. Ramji’s contributions extend beyond space, with extensive work for the Indian Railways and collaborations with educational institutions like PSG College of Technology, Coimbatore.
Sparking Interest in Space Education:
In his latest endeavor, Ramji aims to distribute 100 interactive “India in Space” models to schools, each priced at Rs 3,50,000. His vision is to kindle an interest in space exploration and science education, particularly in rural schools, where these models could serve as powerful educational tools.
Diverse Projects and Unwavering Enthusiasm:
Craftizan’s portfolio is a testament to Ramji’s diverse talents, from crafting diecast models for Tata Motors to creating towering models of windmills and space vehicles reaching heights of 100 feet. His enthusiasm remains unwavering, a product of sheer focus and an innate drive to keep working.
Team Pride and Future Goals:
Within Craftizan, Ramji’s enthusiasm reverberates among his team of designers and engineers. They take immense pride in the attention to detail and perfect finishing of each model. Arshad Ayub, the design engineer, explains their meticulous process involving prototypes, site visits, and extensive discussions. Ramji not only dreams of expanding Craftizan but also envisions supporting his team in building houses and ensuring their well-being.
Conclusion:
As we witness Craftizan’s growth, Ramji’s journey serves as an inspiration, a reminder that pursuing dreams knows no age limit. His positivity, focus, and determination are contagious, leaving an indelible mark on his team and the diverse projects they undertake.
At 79, Ramji believes he has only scratched the surface of what he aims to achieve, vowing to remain active until the last day of his life. In a world where age often dictates limitations, Swaminathan Ramji stands as a beacon, proving that passion and dreams can thrive at any stage of life.
