Archery equipment factory manufacturing PPE kits
| Date :30-Apr-2020 |
Representation picture of PPEs kits.
By Paritosh Pramanik :
AAI secy Chandurkar’s factory helping the nation in hour of need
ON ANY given day, this factory in Amravati manufactures hundreds of sports wear and archery equipment. But with the nation under complete lockdown, the production of sports wear and archery equipment has stopped. Instead, the factory is now helping the nation in making Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) kits. Former international archer and Secretary General of Archery Association of India Pramod Chandurkar, who is the managing director of ‘Ruth India Archery’, an Archery equipment manufacturer in Amravati, decided to help the nation in this hour of need.
Archery Association of India Secretary Pramod Chandurkar.
The frontline workers of the nation are facing acute shortage of PPEs. Shiv Chhatrapati award winner Chandurkar decided to start making these kits with the help of his friend. “Since March 21, when the lockdown came into effect, our factory is manufacturing PPEs. One of my friends is a medical kit supplier. I got in touch with him and his company instructed us how to make the PPE gowns. My workers are working since then making around 100 PPEs daily,” Chandurkar, who participated in the 1976 National Games and 1982 Asian Games, told ‘The Hitavada’ over phone. “I think this is a very small contribution to the nation in this time of crisis. I just want to support the country in a very small way,” said Chandurkar the 1989 Asian Cup gold medal winning coach of Indian team.
The factory, which used to produce bows and arrows apart from other archery equipment and sports wear is now manufacturing hand gloves, face masks, shoes and PPE gowns. PTI ADDS: According to reports, the raw materials are supplied by his friend’s company. “We give the PPEs to my friend’s company which does the wholesale distribution,” he said.
Chandurkar is also taking care of his 15-odd workers. His factory is very close to his residence and he has arranged the accommodation for his workers too. “We are also following proper safety protocols and maintaining social distancing. We are also providing food to all the workers,” said Chandurkar. Chandurkar, who was elected secretary General of Archery Association of India in early January, is also co-ordinating the on-line classes for archers and coaches that the AAI had started on April 16. “I’ve to ensure that the speakers are ready and send them the guidelines well in advance. I’ve to constantly monitor and ensure a smooth conduct,” the former India archer said. Chandurkar worked at Shillong in 1990s with the Army Boys Sports Company. “It was during my Shillong days, I was intrigued with the tribal archery competitions. There would be huge gambling and all. I took the idea of manufacturing the archery equipment for Indian Round and started my company in 2000,” he said.