YALI: Hindu mythology inspires sustainable innovation
Hindu Mythology + Biomimicry = Sustainable and Frugal Innovation
Last week, I visited Kumaraguru College of Technology (KCT) — a top-notch engineering college in Coimbatore, India — to learn about their multiple initiatives to develop and scale frugal & sustainable innovations.
I was awestruck when I visited KCT Garage, a student involved product development and research centre for automotive developments, sustainable mobility, and motorsports.
Sea Shakti is a student team that developed YALI, India’s first hydrogen powered boat. Visit: https://seasakthi.com/
In 2022, Team Sea Shakti made history as the inaugural and sole Indian team at the Monaco Energy Boat Challenge (MEBC), an annual event that promotes innovative and sustainable maritime practices.
In 2023 and 2024, Team Sea Shakti participated again at MEBC and secured 6th position in overall ranking about 16 other international teams. It won the Communication Prize for being the most popular team and also won the Monaco Town Hall Cup.
YALI is a frugal innovation that does BETTER with LESS: it delivers greater performance while minimizing ecological impact.
Its cockpit is made from integrated layers of carbon fibre and pineapple fibre which altogether reduce the weight of the boat while increasing its stability and energy efficiency.
YALI delivers 15% increased efficiency (thanks to its twin 6500W propulsion system with MOX-90 electric motors), 25% added maneuverability, and impressive acceleration (thanks to an optimally-designed smaller propeller).
Interestingly, YALI (Tamil: யாழி) is a Hindu mythological creature, portrayed with the head and the body of a lion, the trunk and the tusks of an elephant, and sometimes bearing equine (horse) and serpentine (snake) features. Learn more: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yali_(mythology)
You can see YALIs sculpted into the pillars of South Indian temples, including the famous Meenakshi Amman Temple in Madurai. See this impressive photo: https://tinyurl.com/2b8782ym
Team Sea Shakti was inspired by the qualities of the YALI — which combine strength, agility, and grace — and incorporated these properties into their sustainable innovation.
In the section below, I list the qualities associated with YALI (thanks to Janarthanan Ramu, head of communication at KCT, for providing me this list) and how they inspired Team Sea Shakti.
I would like to see engineering students across India emulate Team Sea Shakti: they must study the many mythological creatures found in Hinduism and get inspired by their attributes (qualities) to develop frugal and sustainable innovations.
The West is embracing biomimicry — learning from Prakriti (Nature) to develop robust and sustainable solutions
India, however, can pioneer Mytho-Mimicry — find inspiration from Hindu Puranas (Mythology) to develop frugal and eco-friendly solutions.
PS: As a French citizen, I am happy French firms Legrand, Air Liquide, and SBM Offshore sponsor Team Sea Shakti
The Yali-inspired cockpit in the boat developed by Team Sea Shakti is a unique fusion of mythology and modern engineering, setting it apart with several distinctive aspects:
1. Symbolism of Strength & Protection
The Yali is a revered mythical creature in South Indian temple architecture, known for its strength, agility, and protective nature. By drawing inspiration from Yali, the cockpit embodies these qualities, signifying resilience and dominance on the track.
2. Aesthetic & Structural Influence
The aggressive stance and fierce expression of Yali translate into an aerodynamic and ergonomic cockpit design. The sharp edges, curves, and detailing can mimic the fierce yet fluid form of Yali, enhancing both visual appeal and performance.
3. Cultural Heritage in Engineering
Integrating mythology into modern automotive design bridges tradition with innovation. The rich Tamil cultural roots of Yali are reflected in the intricate design elements, making the cockpit a symbol of indigenous creativity in an engineering marvel.
4. Ergonomic & Functional Aspects
Inspired by the Yali’s poised stance, the cockpit likely emphasizes driver safety, comfort, and control. Just as Yali stands as a guardian, the design ensures a secure and immersive driving experience.
5. A Fusion of Myth & Motion
Unlike conventional cockpit designs, this approach infuses mythology into motorsports, making it a one-of-a-kind tribute to cultural heritage while serving functional racing needs.
This unique inspiration not only differentiates your vehicle but also creates a storytelling element, making it more than just a machine — a legend on wheels. 🚀🔥
6. Fusion of Four Mighty Creatures in Yali’s Form
The Yali is a composite mythical beast that embodies the strength, agility, and instincts of four powerful animals:
Lion (Ferocity & Leadership) 🦁 — Represents dominance, courage, and power, reflecting aggressive aerodynamics and a commanding presence on the track.
Elephant (Might & Stability) 🐘 — Symbolizes endurance and unshakable force, influencing structural integrity and cockpit safety.
Horse (Speed & Agility) 🐎 — Denotes swiftness and responsiveness, translating into aerodynamic efficiency and maneuverability.
Serpent (Flexibility & Control) 🐍 — Signifies adaptability and keen reflexes, ensuring precision in driver control and cockpit ergonomics.
This fusion of four creatures makes the Yali-inspired cockpit a perfect blend of power, agility, stability, and control, elevating the vehicle’s performance and aesthetic appeal while keeping mythology alive in modern engineering.
