Kashmiri teacher wins laurels for producing solar-electric car

SRINAGAR, Jammu and Kashmir (AA) – It took 13 years of perseverance and struggles for Bilal Ahmad, a mathematics teacher in the capital of Indian-occupied Kashmir, to produce the region’s first solar-electric automobile that operates completely on solar energy and can also be charged with electrical energy.

Ahmad, 40, became an overnight sensation in the region after his pictures and videos of the car went viral on social media last month. While talking with Anadolu Agency at his home in Srinagar, Ahmad expressed surprise that his product has received such a positive response and recognition from the public.

In 2009, Ahmad was deeply touched by an article in which he read that in the coming years, petrol prices would increase exponentially, making it difficult for the average person to afford a car.

“Then I decided to develop something that people could afford,” Ahmad explained.

Ahmad has received accolades ranging from former regional chief minister Omar Abdullah to Indian industrialist and tech titan Anand Mahindra, who, while admiring his vehicle, offered him assistance in expanding the solar-electric vehicle into a full-fledged model.

His automobile is a four-seat luxury solar car, unlike other solar cars, which typically have two seats, he says.

Ahmad said he had a few meetings with the team of Anand Mahindra to work on his production, and that his focus, for now, is to patent it as soon as possible so that common people can buy it.

“If your innovation is not for the common good, then it is just a business model. My goal is for the common good, and I am working toward it,” he said.