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science and technology in these fields. The excitement of a creative scientist is almost palpable if we lend an ear to his loud thinking about typical rural problems, which have remained unattended for centuries. While discussing about the age-old bullock cart he says, “The bullock cart is not an efficient system. If we get rid of the bullocks we will have more fodder for the milch cattle. But today the bullock cart is essential. A pair of wheels for the bullock cart cost Rs. 2000 and more. But the axles are not standardized. Steel wheels of identical size cost half the price, but they are not widely available and the skill of making a wheel is not as common as the wheel itself. The pneumatic wheeled cart is at par in cost with the conventional, but air and tube services are not common. Mechanisation of the "bullock" cart is possible and viable but workshop services need to spread fast." (Ref: Chapter 14, Rural areas: Goldmine of opportunities for creative scientists") Dr. Kalbag wanted school education to develop the orientation for problem solving and to encourage the spirit of invention and exploration amongst the students. He knew that "there are needs of rural areas that are distinctly different from urban needs. These needs could be met by inventions and formulations for local needs”. (Ref: Chapter 17, "Science and technology project for rural areas") He was convinced that "even the dullest, can indulge in problem solving and make little inventions". (Ref: Chapter 4, "Problem solving orientation in education") Dr. Kalbag has spoken about "invention" in many of the articles. At many places it actually means innovation. He has used the terms “discovery" and "invention" in an exploratory manner in his writings. His thoughts about invention and innovation are also reflected in his design of courses at Vigyan Ashram. He developed a concept of "idea prize" in Vigyan Ashram. Any student who gets any kind of new idea, which can be useful in solving any kind of problems is supposed to submit his idea in his Rural Development Through Education System 23
