A 63-year-old Syed Sajjan Ahmed arrived here to participate in the first India International Science Fair (IISF) on Monday, using a self-developed solar electric-powered car to cover 3,000 km from Bangalore to Delhi.

It took Ahmed 30 days to cover the arduous journey, that included crossing the Vindhyas.

Born in Kolar, 70 km from Bangalore, the Class 12 dropout, says he began his career as a fruit vendor and went on to set up a shop for electronics repair.

His work included assembly of electronic goods, starting off with transistors, tape recorders and television sets and antennae. Later, he moved on to computers before attempting to realise his childhood dream to do something for society.

“I had to leave school at 15 to start earning for the family. But the fire to create something that would be of use to humanity kept burning within me.”

The break came in 2002. “I told myself that I am 50 now and I must do something before I become too old and infirm.”

Ahmed started by modifying a two-wheeler to run on…

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