There’s nothing distinctive about Ramar Pillai’s appearance. But the 34-year-old villager from Kamarajar district in Tamil Nadu shot to fame with his invention of the sensational ‘herbal petrol’. Ramar Pillai spoke to Outlook at his well-guarded residence-cum-laboratory at Idaiyankulam village. Excerpts:
Have you always been interested in science?
I had no special interest in science during my school days. In 1987, I went as a cook with a school excursion team to a nearby village. There someone carelessly threw a cigarette butt and a heap of herbs burst into flames. That kindled my latent interest in the herb. I felt I had to identify it.
How did you isolate the herb?
Every morning I’d go out in search of the herb. I would pluck various plants and try them out. My family lost faith in me. They thought I had gone mad. But I persisted. Finally, I found the right plant.
Can you reveal the name of the plant?
Once the patent is registered, I will do it. Till then it will remain a secret. So will my process of converting water into petrol. I am not unwilling to share my knowledge. I do not want someone to commercially hijack a wonderful gift, which rightfully belongs to the people of Tamil Nadu.
How did you get in touch with the Department of Science and Technology?
I had never heard of the department. I had sent a detailed dossier to the PMO and they directed the DST to look into the matter. The significant fallout of that was the invitation from the chief minister.
What role did your foster-sister Poonkani play in your research?
I’d give her 30 per cent of the credit. It was she who discovered that citric acid from lime and common salt act as catalysts and accelerate the conversion.