From a weaver’s son to a nationally recognised innovator. Chintakindi Mallesham was born into a family that had woven Pochampalli silk sarees for generations. His parents, Laxminarayan and Laxmi, taught him weaving from the age of ten. He studied at night and worked during the day, completing only Class VII after three attempts before giving up formal education in 1986. Despite limited technical knowledge, he had a natural curiosity for dismantling radios and transistors. This mechanical intuition, combined with a deep empathy for his mother’s suffering, led him to create a machine that would change the handloom sector forever.
“All for mother’s pain” – the genesis of the Laxmi ASU Machine. Mallesham’s mother Laxmi performed the Asu process – a critical hand‑winding step in the double‑ikat tie‑and‑dye technique of Pochampalli sarees. Asu required her to move her hand over a metre‑long arc across semi‑circular pegs 9,000 times per sari, taking 4‑5 hours. This caused excruciating shoulder and elbow pain. She often said she could not continue, and did not want her future daughter‑in‑law to suffer the same fate. At age 20 (1992), Mallesham decided to find a mechanical alternative. Despite no engineering background, poverty, and constant ridicule from neighbours and money‑lenders, he persisted for seven years. He divided the Asu process into five parts, bought parts with his savings, failed repeatedly, and worked as a daily‑wage electrician in Hyderabad to earn money for components.
Key Milestones in Mallesham’s Journey
Impact of Laxmi ASU Machine
- Time saved: 4‑5 hours per sari → 1.5 hours per sari.
- Productivity: From 2 saris per day to 6‑8 saris per day.
- Drudgery eliminated: Women no longer suffer shoulder and elbow pain; they can now learn weaving on looms like men.
- New opportunities: Loom‑less weavers have set up “Asu Machine Centres” and supply processed yarn to weavers – a new livelihood.
- Design variety: Machine allows more intricate designs and colour patterns, expanding marketability.
- Employment: More women can participate in the industry, supplementing family income.
Mallesham’s mother Laxmamma said: “When I advised my son not to enter into caste‑based profession and explained the pain of Asu, my son made it clear that he would continue and took efforts to prepare the ASU machine. After failing in his initial efforts, my son succeeded.” His wife Suvarna added: “I feel very happy when several women tell me that the ASU machine has given relief to them.”
The Laxmi ASU Machine – A Lifeline for Pochampalli Weavers
Name: Laxmi Automatic Silk Winding (ASU) Machine – named after Mallesham’s mother, Laxmi.
Function: Automates the hand‑winding process (Asu) essential for the double‑ikat tie‑and‑dye method of Pochampalli silk sarees.
Operation: The machine precisely wraps yarn around pegs according to the pattern. Thread cut stops machine automatically.
Cost: Approximately ₹25,000 per unit (subsidised through Silk Board and bank loans).
Crowdfunding: With the help of Fuel, a crowdfunding agency, Mallesham distributed 800 machines at cost to weavers.
Patenting: The machine is in the process of being patented.
Next innovation: Mallesham is now developing a fully automatic loom that would replace the strenuous leg and hand movements (3,000 movements per sari) required on traditional pit looms. A small prototype is ready; he hopes to reduce physical strain further and attract the younger generation back to handloom weaving.
Awards & Recognitions
- Padma Shri (2017) – Government of India (Science & Engineering).
- Amazing Indians Award – Presented by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
- National Innovation Foundation (NIF) – Best Innovation Award.
- Honey Bee Network recognition – Featured in their newsletters (English & Telugu).
- Inventor of India Workshop – IIM Ahmedabad (2008) – Invited participant.
- FAB 5 (MIT Boston, NIF, IIT Kanpur, CoEP) – Pune (2009) – Presented his innovation at an international forum.
- Telugu Maa TV & Eenadu coverage – Widely covered in local media since 2001.
Places Associated with Mallesham (Yadadri Bhuvanagiri)
Sharjipet (Aler Mandal)
His native village where he grew up, learned weaving, and began his experiments. The village has a strong handloom weaving tradition.
Pochampalli (≈30 km)
The famous handloom cluster where his machine is most widely used. Known as the “Silk City of Telangana”.
Hyderabad – Balanagar Workshop
The location where he finally observed the movement that gave him the breakthrough in 1999. He was working there as a daily‑wage worker.
Honey Bee Network / NIF Office
Supported his innovation, helped with patenting, and connected him with investors and government schemes.
Suggested Visit – Pochampalli Handloom Cluster & Mallesham’s Workshop
Half‑Day Itinerary (from Hyderabad)
- 8:00 AM: Start from Hyderabad (≈55 km, 1.5 hours via NH65). Drive to Pochampalli.
- 9:30 AM – 11:00 AM: Visit the Pochampalli Handloom Park & Weaver’s Service Centre. See the Laxmi ASU machines in operation (ask for a demonstration).
- 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM: Drive to Sharjipet (≈20 min) – visit Mallesham’s ancestral home and workshop (by appointment).
- 1:00 PM: Lunch at a local eatery in Aler.
- 2:30 PM: Optionally visit the Pochampalli Craft Museum.
- 4:00 PM: Return to Hyderabad.
Visitor Information – Pochampalli Handloom Cluster
Timings & Entry
Weaving units: Most operate from 9 AM – 6 PM.
Pochampalli Handloom Park: 10 AM – 5 PM (closed Sundays). Entry free.
Mallesham’s workshop (Sharjipet): By prior appointment (contact through NIF / local handloom association).
Best season: October – February.
Location & Access
Pochampalli: Yadadri Bhuvanagiri district, on Hyderabad–Warangal highway (NH65).
Sharjipet: 5 km from Aler; autos available from Aler.
Nearest railway station: Aler (≈10 km) / Bhuvanagiri (≈20 km).
Nearest airport: Hyderabad (≈55 km).
Tips for Visitors & Aspiring Innovators
💡 Insider tip: The Laxmi ASU machine has a unique thread‑cut automatic stop feature – ask the weaver to break a thread intentionally to see it in action. Also, many weavers’ cooperatives offer training on the machine; you can sponsor a machine for a needy family through the “Asu Machine Donation Campaign”. Mallesham’s story is also the subject of the critically acclaimed Telugu film “Mallesham” (2019) – watch it before your visit to fully appreciate his struggle.
A School Dropout Who Became a National Treasure
Chintakindi Mallesham’s journey from a semi‑literate weaver to a Padma Shri awardee is a testament to the power of empathy, perseverance, and grassroots innovation. He did not have an engineering degree, a laboratory, or government funding. He had only his mother’s pain and an unshakable will. Today, his Laxmi ASU machine has liberated thousands of women from physical agony, revitalised the Pochampalli handloom industry, and inspired a generation of grassroots innovators. His story is a reminder that the best innovations often come not from corporate labs, but from the heart.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Asu process?
Asu is the hand‑winding of dyed yarn around pegs according to a geometric pattern, crucial for creating Pochampalli double‑ikat sarees. It is traditionally done by women.
How many machines has Mallesham sold?
Over 600 machines directly; additionally, over 800 were distributed through crowdfunding at ₹25,000 each.
Can I buy a Laxmi ASU machine?
Yes, contact the Pochampalli Handloom Park or Mallesham’s workshop in Sharjipet. Subsidies are available through the Silk Board and bank loans.
Is there a movie on his life?
Yes, the Telugu film “Mallesham” (2019), directed by Raj R., critically acclaimed and screened internationally.
What is the next project?
Mallesham is developing a fully automatic loom that reduces leg and hand movements on pit looms – a game‑changer for traditional weavers.
How can I support his work?
Donate to the “Asu Machine Fund” through the National Innovation Foundation or buy authentic Pochampalli sarees.
References & Further Reading
- National Innovation Foundation – Laxmi ASU Machine
- The Hans India – Padma Shri honour for Chintakindi Mallesham (2017)
- The Better India – Laxmi Asu Machine
- Rediff – School dropout’s invention for his mother