As an entrepreneur hailing from West Bengal, Satnaliwala found himself sharing the same flight as Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw.
For Akshay Satnaliwala, a flight from Delhi to Kolkata on February 2 was not just a routine journey; it presented a golden opportunity. As an entrepreneur hailing from West Bengal, Satnaliwala found himself sharing the same flight as Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw. In a remarkable display of ingenuity and determination, Satnaliwala crafted a business proposal on tissue paper and managed to hand it to the minister despite the constraints of flight protocol and high security.
Crafting the Proposal
Using a tissue paper as his canvas, Satnaliwala penned down his innovative pitch, outlining a plan to utilize trains for transporting waste to locations where it could be reused, thus supporting environmental sustainability and the Prime Minister’s Swachh Bharat Abhiyaan. In his note, Satnaliwala introduced his company, M/S Eastern Organic Fertilizer Pvt Ltd, as a prominent player in solid waste management in West Bengal. He highlighted the company’s past achievements, including the transportation of plastic waste via railway rake in July 2022.
Receiving a Positive Response
To Satnaliwala’s surprise, within minutes of landing, he received a call from the Eastern Railway’s General Manager’s office, leading to a meeting with Milind K Deouskar, the General Manager of Eastern Railway, on February 6. The meeting, attended by senior officials, delved into the feasibility of utilizing railways for transporting solid and other wastes as a cost-effective transportation mode.
Exploring Collaborative Opportunities
During the discussion, Satnaliwala elaborated on the flow of solid waste to various industries across the country, emphasizing the environmental benefits and potential pollution reduction. The Eastern Railway general manager responded positively to Satnaliwala’s proposals, offering flexible terms for carrying solid and other waste through the railway route as a cheaper mode of transportation.
Looking Ahead
The encounter aboard the flight not only showcased Satnaliwala’s entrepreneurial spirit but also demonstrated the power of seizing opportunities and thinking innovatively. As discussions progress and collaborations take shape, Satnaliwala’s initiative has the potential to not only benefit his company but also contribute to environmental sustainability initiatives and support the nation’s Swachh Bharat mission. With a proactive approach and a willingness to explore unconventional avenues, Satnaliwala exemplifies the essence of entrepreneurship and initiative-taking in driving positive change.