Prof. B. K Chakravarthy

Research and Projects

The Vaishno Devi Palkhi has been redesigned for improving the conditions in which Palkhi bearers make a livelihood. The heavy Palkhi rest upon their shoulders causing injury and long term muscle damage to the Palkhi bearers. After studying these conditions and also understanding the Palkhi bearers’ requirements (they didn’t wish for a design that would demand too many changes in their ways), the Palkhi was redesigned in stainless steel to be 30 kgs lighter than the current Palkhi. Ergonomic experts in the field made small changes in the seating angles. And, the Palkhi was designed for easy replication by local vendors thus addressing local livelihood and sustainability issues.