Shri Girish Bharadwaj is an Indian social worker often referred as Bridgeman of India for building around 137 low-cost suspension footbridges of varying spans and dimensions in various parts of Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Kerala and also Odisha. He was conferred the Padma Shri award in 2017.

Girish hails from Sullia in Karnataka, and is a graduate in Mechanical Engineering from P.E.S. College of Engineering in Mandya.

He is the Founder-Secretary of Sneha Education Society of Sullia, which provides basic quality education in Kannada Medium.

In an exclusive interview, Girish Bharadwaj shares with Marie Banu his passion for rural development.

Your early days as a mechanical engineer?

After my graduation, in 1975, I was interested to work in a factory and was job-hunting. I wanted to be a white-collar employee, but my father persuaded me to set up a workshop in my village, where I grew up, and serve the rural community. Although I was disheartened at first, I realized that the villagers needed my service.

I engaged in general fabrication and repair of farm machinery. In the initial years, I struggled for existence. Later, I ventured into gobar gas plants as I found that almost all farmers in my village

and Taluk had cattle. This enterprise

was fruitful.

What motivated you to engage in bridge construction?

While I lived on the Sullia, nearest town side of Aletty village, there were people living on the other side of the Payaswini River. They had only one boat, which could transport five people at a time.

In 1989, some villagers approached me and showed a picture of Lakshman Jhoola and asked me to construct a similar hanging bridge for their village. They mentioned that their boat was beyond repair and they were finding it difficult to commute. I explained that I was only a Mechanical engineer and not a Civil Engineer and therefore could not assist them.

An elderly friend of mine, hearing about this, told me “if you mind, you can”. This motivated me to explore civil engineering and from then on there is no looking back.

Can you share your first experience in constructing a bridge?

I went to Mangalore, which is about 90 kilometers away from my village, to buy some civil engineering books. The cover page of the book had a picture of the hanging bridge in it.

I studied this book and understood the nuances of building suspension bridges thoroughly. The challenge was in simplifying the design and making a footbridge. I applied my mind to use indigenous material, and designed the bridge in the most cost effective way.

I handed over the design to the villagers and advised them to approach the local MLA and Jilla Panchayat Engineer for funds. At that point in time, the government did not have funds allocated for hanging bridges. Hence, the villagers returned disappointed. The villagers told me that they will collect money from every household and requested me to re-design the bridges so that it can carry 20 people at a time.

Seeing their plight, I offered to guide and construct the bridge for them without charging any fee. As the length was 87.00M, I designed it to carry 100 people at a time. In fact, when we design according to I.R.C specifications, the bridge should actually carry 400 people at a time.

I mobilized local materials, and took the help of my friend who was a civil engineer to advice on the size of the columns and reinforcement. We also engaged volunteers in the construction work with my guidance. In two and a half months, the bridge was ready!

It was a simple bridge and the villagers were very happy. We had over 1,000 people attending the inauguration. I took the first test walk across the bridge and was tensed. I took the risk on me, as I did not want any villager to be affected.

The villagers thanked me immensely and I was moved with their kindness. The happiness I saw in their eyes motivated me to work for more people like them.

Did you shift focus from mechanical engineering to civil engineering altogether?

I had to balance both – doing free service for the villagers and at the same time manage my workshop to earn my income.

At the time of inauguration of the 50th bridge, Villagers of Shishila released a book where I mentioned that this would be the last bridge that I have ever constructed. Sri. Harshendra Kumar was the Chief Guest of the inaugural event. He is the brother of Dr. Veerendra Hegde of Dharmasthala, whom we believe and respect as representative of God. He told me that and I should construct many more bridges to benefit the rural people. I was confused and did not know how to react.

On the same day, while returning home, I was listening to Anoop Jalotha’s bhajans in the car. I heard Tulsidas where he quotes the story of Lord Ram crossing the river along with Sita and Lakshman.  The story goes like this: Lord Ram offers the boatman Sita’s ring to repay him for his service. But, the boatman refuses to accept it stating that people of the same profession do not charge each other for their services. When Lord Ram asked the boatman how he could be considered to be of the same profession, the boatman replied saying – while he ferries people from this shore of the Ganges to the other, Lord Ram ferries people across the ocean of Samsaara (Bhav-sagar), through the journey of life.

Listening to this recitation, I wept. I realized that God is sending me a message and asking me to build bridges for the villagers. It is a holy profession! God has given me the ability and I have a good team to work with. I remembered my friend saying: “If you mind, you can!” Hence, I decided to continue building bridges.

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How do you ensure that the bridges are safe for people even after 10 years?

Well, what was designed to last for 10 years has now lasted for 28 years. We are now using Ferro Cement Slabs, instead of wooden planks. Now, all galvanized steel sections and ropes are also galvanized and checkered plates are used instead of Ferro Cement Slabs. 

I inspect the bridge once in two years and carry out necessary repairs if required. Two- wheelers can be taken over the bridges.

My son has done structural engineering and worked in Australia and Mauritius. He was involved in designing marine structures, and has returned to India now. He takes care of my workshop and also assists me in designing bridges.

Are you happy with the recognition you have gained for your work? Is there a growing demand for bridges?

I have taken a liking to work with the rural communities. The affection they show towards me is overwhelming. Nothing gives more satisfaction than when people in villages thank my team for the connectivity created.

The government started recognizing my work and the District Chief Secretary (Now C.E.O) visited our village. He appreciated the rural connectivity that was provided in the most cost effective manner and in a very short span. Many government departments have started to approach me to construct similar bridges for other villages.

Tony of Switzerland who builds Suspension bridges in poor countries came to see my works and treat me like his “Bridge Brother”. This was a proud moment for me.

I am really happy at this recognition and I share these awards with my team members. Though I design these bridges, it is my team that undertakes the complete construction work.