Back in December 1983, Mansukhbhai Prajapati was making ends meet with a modest income of Rs 300 per month at a tile manufacturing unit in Wankaner, Gujarat. Little did he know that his journey would transform him into one of rural India’s most celebrated entrepreneurs. Born into a family of clay craftsmen in Nichimandal village, Morbi, Prajapati faced adversity when his family had to relocate to Wankaner after the Machhu dam disaster in 1979. He took up various odd jobs, from working in brick factories to setting up a tea stall along the highway.
It was in 1985 that Prajapati found stability as a trainee at Jagdamba Potteries, where his entrepreneurial spirit started to take shape. Over the years, he mastered the pottery trade and envisioned a business opportunity using innovative techniques. Instead of the traditional potter’s wheel, he pioneered the use of a tile press to manufacture earthen plates, drastically increasing production efficiency to meet market demands.
The Entrepreneurial Leap
In 1988, fueled by his ambition and armed with Rs 30,000 borrowed from a moneylender, Prajapati ventured out on his own. He purchased a small plot of land in Wankaner and established his workshop. With relentless determination, he modified the hand press into a machine capable of producing 700 earthen pans daily by 1990. This marked the formal registration of his enterprise, Mansukhbhai Raghavbhai Prajapati, setting the stage for his entrepreneurial journey.
Innovation Amidst Adversity
Despite initial success, Prajapati faced a setback in 2001 when an earthquake devastated his stock. However, adversity sparked innovation once again. A feature in the local newspaper, Sandesh, showcasing his broken clay water filter as ‘the poor man’s broken fridge’, inspired him to develop a clay refrigerator that operated without electricity. After extensive research and overcoming financial challenges, Prajapati launched the Mitticool fridge in 2005. This eco-friendly innovation not only cooled water by nearly 10 degrees but also preserved perishable items for several days, catering to a niche market in rural India.
Growth and Global Impact
With the support of an angel investor in 2006 and the establishment of Mitti Cool Clay Creations, Prajapati expanded his product line to include pressure cookers and non-stick pans. His commitment to reviving the art of clay utensil making has empowered over 500 potters across Gujarat. The enterprise, now employing 15-20 artisans, achieved breakeven in 2010 and continues to grow at a steady 15% annually.
Vision for the Future
Looking ahead, Prajapati envisions the Mitti Cool home, where natural methods will provide lighting and cooling without electricity. His entrepreneurial journey, recognized with national awards and global accolades, embodies resilience, innovation, and a commitment to sustainable living. As former president APJ Abdul Kalam aptly noted, Mansukhbhai Prajapati is indeed a ‘true scientist’ of our times, shaping a future where tradition meets modernity through innovative clay-based solutions.
