Silvester D'Souza
Daijiworld Media Network - Kundapur (SP)

Kundapur, Feb 6: The name of Kota Ramachandra Achar emerges when vehicles are to be lifted from depths, coconut trees are to be shifted from their present positions, or when funeral of unclaimed bodies are to be performed. Achar has lifted over 500 heavy vehicles from difficult depths, shifted over a thousand coconut trees, and buried over 3,000 bodies.

He is an expert in traditional engineering technique. By using simple rotary wheels and ropes he does what modern machines have failed to.

When engineers have failed to salvage heavy vehicles lying in the abyss, or when a heavy flag pole of a temple is to be planted in its designated spot, calls go to Ramachandra Achar. With his experience and sharp intelligence, he plans and executes even daunting tasks within ten to fifteen minutes. Because of his extraordinary knowledge and undying spirit, he has grown from being an ordinary blacksmith into a unique salvage expert.

Achar could install 52 feet high flag pole of Kalaseshwara Temple in Kalasa which weighed 29 tonnes in its position in 18 minutes; executed similar task of planting flag post with a height of 80 ft in Barkur Panchalingeshwara Temple in eight minutes. He has several other such accomplishments to his credit.

His plans of action and equipment needed take shape in his workshop. Very heavy rotary wheels, sets of equipment to hold these wheels, and iron chains get produced here. He is assisted by eight workers. This team goes to work where others have hesitated, or where even engineers and modern machines have accepted defeat, and executes the job within minutes.

The equipment required to lift very heavy objects take shape in his mind. Although Achar got education only till fourth standard, his ideas baffle intelligent persons. Achar himself is a diver who has brought out over 40 bodies from depths. Because of his techniques, thousands of coconut and areca nut trees have survived, having been shifted for road and other needs, and planted elsewhere.

Ramachandra Achar (51) is the son of Satyamma and Shankar Achar couple from Giliyar village. His wife, Sharada, is a member of Kotatattu gram panchayat. He has two sons, Pramod, and Sachin.

Achar's services have won him awards and recognition from various bodies, including the district Rajyotsava Award in 2010. He also excels in building intricate stages for drama andother performances, as well as tableaux. He has won accolades from Dr Veerendra Hegde for his contribution in ensuring that the chariot of Dharmasthala built at Koteshwar and weighing 18 tonnes is safely lifted up into the truck.

Achar is also well known native veterinarian. Several cattle, which could not be treated by veterinarians, have been healed by him.