- [A Three Wheeled Revolution is an inspiring interview with Irfan Alam, the founder of SammaaN Foundation.
- Irfan was interested in business from his childhood, and he started his first business at the age of 13.
- When Irfan was 17, he became thirsty while travelling in a rickshaw.
- He asked the rickshaw puller for water, but the man said that he could not afford to keep water bottles in his rickshaw.
- This gave Irfan the idea of selling water bottles through rickshaws.
- The next day, he gave eight water bottles each to five rickshaw pullers and shared the profit with them.
- His idea worked, and Irfan earned ₹8 on the first day.
- His parents asked him to focus on his studies, but Irfan continued to learn about rickshaw pullers and their problems.
- In 2006, Irfan took part in the TV programme Business Baazigar with a new business plan for rickshaws.
- He suggested using rickshaws for advertisements and selling water, juice, biscuits, newspapers and mobile cards to earn extra money.
- Irfan won the competition and was offered ₹150 lakh to start his business.
- He refused the money because the organisers did not agree with his plan to provide better support and safety to rickshaw pullers.
- Irfan found that most rickshaw pullers were poor and had to pay ₹30–₹40 every day as rent for their rickshaws.
- He wanted to help them earn more money, own their rickshaws and live with respect.
- In 2007, Irfan started SammaaN, which means “Respect.”
- SammaaN helps rickshaw pullers get bank loans to buy their own rickshaws.
- SammaaN also gives them uniforms, ID cards, health insurance, accident insurance and training.
- The rickshaw pullers can earn extra money through advertisements and by selling water, juice and other products.
- With the help of SammaaN, their income increased by about 30–40%.
- SammaaN Gyaan provides free evening classes for the children and family members of rickshaw pullers.
- Irfan believes that rickshaws have a good future because they are useful for short journeys and do not pollute the environment.
- SammaaN also worked on developing a solar-powered rickshaw.
- Irfan became well known for his work and met Nobel Prize winner Muhammad Yunus, who invited him to help start a similar project in Bangladesh.
- Irfan believes that starting new businesses can create jobs and reduce unemployment.
- He advises young people to dream, find new opportunities, take careful risks and turn their ideas into action.
- Irfan's story shows how a simple idea can improve the lives of many people and bring them better income, respect and hope.]
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