I had heard about this gentleman earlier, but it was a complete surprise to see an email from to the forum email address.  This gentleman has done amazing word in spite of his physical disabilities. His letter is reproduced verbatim here.

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Let me introduced myself, I am a Keralite named Saji Thomas. I was very much attracted to aeroplanes and sky from my childhood onwards. And as I grown up I made three plans, one was a helicopter, an aircraft and a powered hand glider .          

Sir,

           For me this is not just a hobby, but then this is my profession and it is my life. My ambition is to fly my own aircraft. I was initially inspired by the helicopters which came to sprinkle pesticides on the rubber plantation in my childhood. When I was 14 I got a chance to get in  into a helicopter and fly as a co-pilot. I got very much knowledge about the aero planes, copters and addresses of many of the aircraft manufacturing companies from the pilots.

           I worked hard to  collect  money to assemble a helicopter,  as mechanic, electronic repairer, photographer and all. I made a copter's frame, the price of an engine was great problem for me. So left the work for copter there itself. And after a long time I am again started to make a light weight aircraft and 2000 the aircraft was ready. And I came before media. Most of the peoples were amazed. Many people came to me and  encouraged me. Then in annual  'Karshika Mela' (an agricultural demonstration) organized by the Gandhiji study centre headed by former minister P.J Joseph on December 18. I wanted to meet the president APJ Abdul Kalam as civil aviation authorities' nod , whose permission was essential for the aircraft's takeoff. The aircraft was assembled in my own house. Its cost was 1.75 lakhs . the craft was single seated and weighed 200kg was technical marvel.  It was powered with a 26.5 HP Yamaha engine, the vehicle has 6000 RPM to steer clear in the air. Aluminum pipes and metal sheets have been used for the frame. Deaf by birth educated only up to standard XII, knowing some what English, 33 years old I could achieve my aim only by sheer will power and belief in myself . Because of some financial problems I sold my aircraft to an aeronautical engineering institute  called 'Viswaswaraya'

           And now I am going on making an aircraft which I am going on making an aircraft which is a Powered Hang glider, which is powered with an old Yamaha's 699 cc engine ,  40 HP, 6500 rpm which is an speed boat's engine.  I think God would bless me to fly this.



My abilities

Driving (4 wheeler & 2 Wheeler)

Video & Photographer

Mechanic , I Know Welding (Gas welding)

Electric Equipment repair.

           I would like to get a job as aero mechanic. Could you please help me for that. So that I can always be with aircrafts. Because of the financial problems the works of the aircraft is not moving forward. Could you please help me to get a job or can you help me to get old engine, Para glider, spare parts and all, so that I can make  my plane quickly. If I come there, can I meet you?

           I got awards from "SRISTI saman" as an innovator. If I get a job in the same field, it would be a great help for me and my family.

                                                                                   Yoursfaithfully,
                                                                                   Saji Thomas.

 


            Saji Thomas
           Mob: 09446747473
           Saji Thomas – SMS - 09995446701        



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I am not sure who all in this forum have contacts with companies who do aeronautical related stuff... if anyone can help this gentlemen, it would be a very kind thing to do.

Some more pictures.

Amazing man!

More...

Final batch...

He is a classic example of what passion can do for people, wish him all the success nothing can stop him, its just a matter of time & opportunity.

Humbles me beyond words, makes my 'aeromodelling' efforts seem so small. I wonder if innovators like Mr. Kanak Gogoi could provide some assistance to a deserving talent such as Mr. Saji Thomas. I don't promise anything, but I will put across these pictures and his contact details to Mr. Gogoi. I can only try................

Insha Allah, something may materialise.

Now, Thats what I call creativity at its best!

I am sure he would achieve his goals (Insha Allah).

With all due respect to His Excellency the Mr. K. Francis George M.P. "He is deaf and dumb, but possess (?) a high level of mechanical aptitude." How are his disabilities connected with his achievements? Why, as a nation, can't we look beyond all this? Why the bloody hell can't we STOP sympathising? Geniuses such as Saji Thomas, don't need our sympathy, they need to be recognised for their contributions - not for their physical shortcomings. Oh well, India, after all. More of talk and less of action. Us included.

No need to look at this as "sympathy" alone... it is just an acknowledgement/appreciation of the additional effort involved (as compared to someone without any disabilities)... IMHO.

This man is great.Really hope that he achieves his goals.What VC sir said is absolutely true.He makes us seem like nothing.And nobody should mention the deaf/dumb part.I mean,look beyond that.Appearances are deceptive.Very true.This man might seem to be deaf and dumb but actually, he is a genius.MAy someone help him.

Couple more RC related.

amazing story. I wish him good luck. Hope to see his real plane soon

  great Guy . I Wish I could help

Unfortunately im too young to have a company... (was planning to open one, but then i realised i was only 15 year old).

I hope from my haert that Mr Saji Thomas Gets a job as an airplane mechanic, such talent must be fully utilized.

Apparently this has become a movie now.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vimaanam

https://www.newsfolo.com/entertainment/vimaanam-movie-review-biography-of-saji-thomas/132852/

http://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/malayalam/prithviraj-watch-vimaanam-for-free-in-any-theater-in-kerala-on-christmas-4996103/

It's wonderful that his work became a film.

Deleted as same msg posted in two other threads too.