Every one of us loves to dream big. Few of us know the exact recipe to fulfill the dream which is a precise amount of dedication, hard work, enthusiasm, and keeping hope alive. Saji who cannot hear or speak since birth was fascinated with flying aircrafts at very young age. He achieved his dream with a basic school education and built an aircraft from recycled materials for only half of market price while taking substantial financial risk. He received a lot of appreciation and praise from the media. Let us hope that the country who is enjoying a flourishing economy will make sure to provide him with a decent job. Saji did a remarkable job and proved that anything is possible if you put right energy into it. He was featured in Indian Book of Records and on Discovery Channel in a program called HRX Superheroes hosted by Indian movie star Hrithik Roshan.

What inspired you to make your own aircraft?S: During one of my school summer vacations, my father who worked as a driver in the Army took me to New Delhi. He took us to see different types of aircraft and helicopters and I was fascinated by the flying machines.
I also happened to get some books on aviation, the making of aircraft. I went through the book and got very interested. Passionate about flying, I tried to make a helicopter. My interest grew further when I saw helicopters that came to a nearby rubber plantation. They used to come every year to spray pesticides. Seeing my enthusiasm, the pilot took me for a ride. It was an mind blowing experience for me. That day I decided that I should build an aircraft and fly it too.

How did it feel when your aircraft flew for the first time? What did you learn from this project? What are you plans for the future?S: Though I was quite confident that the aircraft would fly, till the moment I saw it, I was praying hard. To see my aircraft fly was a dream come true. I got in touch with a retired wing commander of the Indian Air Force, SKJ Nair, who did the test flying at his private flying club in Manimuthar in Tamil Nadu. I learnt that hard work and perseverance can really bring good results. I went through lot of humiliation and insult from people who ridiculed whatever I was doing. The fact that my plane could fly was a perfect message to all of them who tried to push me down. If one has self confidence and determination, then no force can stop you. A similar aircraft costs Rs 25 lakh but I could build one with Rs 14 lakh, with reusable materials. I am looking for a stable job with any aviation company but due to my disability I have not succeeded in getting a job. My aircraft is yet to get a registration so I am looking forward to the Indian government’s support to get the registration done.

What kind of opportunities are you getting and from whom?S: I will be making another aircraft for a movie, which is planned based on my life story. I have the plans of different aircraft in mind but unfortunately I don’t have the money to fulfill my dreams. People have been calling me from across the world. Some of them have generously helped me with funds and other support. But I am yet to get a job.

Tell us about your experience appearing on the HRX Heroes with Hrithik Roshan(Bollywood actor)? Which quality of Hrithik do you admire the most and why? How did the show get to know about your story?S: Being featured on a big platform like Discovery Channel was quite a rewarding experience for me. Hrithik Roshan was very encouraging. He asked me more about the aircraft, saw the video of flying from my mobile phone was very happy with my achievement. He was down-to-earth, interacted with us, took photographs, was very warm and friendly. After my story was featured on the news website rediff.com, we got a call from Discovery Channel expressing their interest to feature me on this inspiring series. I travelled in a flight for the first time, going to Mumbai for the shoot. I had only dreamt of such recognition. I am very happy and thankful to Discovery Channel.

Who is your inspiration?S: Former Indian President A. P. J. Abdul Kalam was an inspiration to me. He overcame so many hardships to become a scientist and later the President of India. He was a humble and down-to-earth person. I really wanted him to see my aircraft. I had mailed a request to meet him in person. His office had informed me that on his next Kerala visit he would give me an opportunity. But unfortunately, he passed away a year later in 2015.

What are your other hobbies?S: I like photography, travelling and watching films.

What is your favorite place to visit?S: My dream is to visit America. I hope some day some good Samaritan helps me fulfill my wish.

Who is your favorite celebrity and why?S: I like Hrithik Roshan and Jackie Chan. They look larger than life and have great personalities.

What is something that you wish for?S: I wish to get a good job so that I will get financial security and support my family. If I have a job I can save money and gives wings to my dreams of building different types of low-cost aircraft.

Any special message for our community?S: Never give up hope. You must focus on whatever talent you have and work hard on it. If God has not given us some ability, he has given us extended abilities which normal people may never be able to do. We must focus on our strengths and move ahead in life.

Saji Thomas flying the X-Air