Padmashree Chouksey -- a labourer -- penning autobiography

Bhopal, Feb 9 (UNI) Mr Banwari Lal Chouksey, a labourer honoured with the Padmashree, is busy penning his autobiography whose basis will be his slogan 'Shrameva Jayate' (toil alone triumphs).

Born as the eldest son in a lower middle-class family of farmers at the nearby Ganga Pipliya village, Mr Chouksey is employed at the Bharat Heavy Electricals Ltd's local unit.

It is difficult to even imagine that a man who has studied only upto high school can easily build machines' alternative parts that, if imported, would have cost a king's ransom in terms of foreign currency besides taking precious time. Recognising Mr Chouksey's talent, BHEL conferred on him the rank of engineer.

''I am elated that despite being not well-educated, my hard work has been praised by the institution where I work, superiors and colleagues,'' he told UNI. Mr Chouksey, who was also conferred the Shrambhushan, has created a record by receiving the Vishwakarma National Award on five occasions.

He has received certificates from top officials of leading companies in Japan and Australia.

''I will mention in the autobiography an interesting incident when a national political party's key leader praised my achievements and asked whether I would like to join his party,'' Mr Chouksey said.

He recalled the moment when he shared the dais with Bollywood legend Shahrukh 'King' Khan during the Padmashree award ceremony.

''Mr Khan, who also received the Padmashree, evinced interest in my work,'' he added.

UNI