Mansukhbhai Prajapati, a potter by profession in Wakaner Gujarat, has been known in the state for his innovation like earthen pots, pans and utensils.

It is in his small workshop there for the last two decades that he has given shape to all his thoughts.

His latest invention is a machine that can make perfectly round tawas that too in minutes.

Traditionally earthen tawa bases are handmade and then baked in a furnace. But this procedure takes time.

Mansukh bhai's tawa making machine is easy to operate and can shape up to 1000 tawa bases in a single day.

Machine's functioning

The innovator first mixes mud with water in this churner, once mixed the slush is left to dry.

This semi dry mixture is then made to pass through this machine, which makes it dense.

Once the raw material is ready all Mansukh Bhai needs to do is model it in the shape of a tawa.

And that's where Mansukh bhai uses his innovation, which weighs around 1,500 kilos.

A circular disc or wheel is connected to an iron bar, the movement of this disc is controlled by two vertical rollers rotating in opposite direction.

The machine, once operated, pounds the chunk of mud with a weight of one tonne or 1000 kilos at one go.

The result is a perfectly flat and round base that needs no more finishing. Once the extra mud is scraped off, the tawa goes straight to the furnace.

"The clay tawas you get in the market break in 10-15 days. I mix two-three types of mud and make them in a different way. These tawas heat faster and so fuel consumption is lower," said Mansukhbhai.

Today, Mansukhbhai sells each tawa for as low as Rs 5 in the market - the same as other clay tawas.

But with a higher rate of production, thanks to the machine, Mansukh bhai does not mind a low selling price.

He got his inspiration for making the tawa from his days as supervisor in a factory that made terracotta tiles.

In 1987, Mansukhbhai gave shape to his idea, completely on his own. Almost two decades later he has taken his project further.

Other innonvations

With the help of this tawa making machine Mansukhbhai now makes non-stick tawas. He sells a non-stick tawa for under Rs 50.

"Non stick tawas in the market cost Rs 200-300. I thought there should be a cheaper alternative for the poor too. I have now made a non-stick tawa that is coated. You can use it to make several preparations like paranthas, pizzas and dosas," said Mansukhbhai.

For several years now, the National Innovation Foundation or NIF has supported the innovator.

Mansukhbhai's other innovations include a fridge made of clay, which he calls Mitti-cool or the water filter cum cooler.

In the last five years Mansukhbhai has participated in several exhibitions and fairs that give him a chance to showcase his talent.

While the innovator is happy with the little success he has met with so far Mansukhbhai would like to make his innovations more popular.

At the moment he is happy to have found a way that combines his professional skills with his passion for creating new things.