Before India became known for startups and homegrown innovation, one man from Coimbatore was already dreaming of building machines that could rival the world’s best. His name was Gopalaswamy Doraiswamy Naidu, better known as GD Naidu. A self-taught inventor, entrepreneur, educator and industrialist, he revolutionised everything from public transport and electric motors to agriculture and engineering education.
Often called the “Edison of India,” GD Naidu’s remarkable story is once again in the spotlight after the trailer of GDN, starring R Madhavan, sparked fresh interest in his extraordinary life.
So, who exactly was GD Naidu? Here’s everything you need to know:
Who Was GD Naidu?
Born on March 23, 1893, in Kalangal near Coimbatore, GD Naidu was never interested in classroom learning. He reportedly disliked school and often found himself in trouble. But while textbooks failed to excite him, machines did.
Determined to own a motorcycle, he worked as a hotel server until he could afford one. Then, instead of simply riding it, he dismantled it piece by piece before putting it back together.
How GD Naidu Transformed Public Transport
In 1920, Naidu bought a single automobile coach and started a transport service between Pollachi and Palani. The venture eventually grew into Universal Motor Service (UMS), one of India’s most organised and efficient bus networks.
At a time when public transport was still evolving, Naidu introduced better systems, discipline and customer service. He helped reshape road travel across southern India.
GD Naidu – ‘Edison of India’
In 1937, Naidu developed India’s first indigenous electric motor with D Balasundaram Naidu, a breakthrough that later inspired companies like Lakshmi Machine Works. His list of inventions was equally impressive.
He designed battery-powered shaving machines, ultra-thin razor blades, a fruit juice extractor, a kerosene-operated fan, a distance adjuster for film cameras and even a tamper-proof vote-recording machine.
In 1952, he unveiled a two-seater petrol-powered car that reportedly cost around Rs 2,000. However, the project never entered mass production after it failed to receive the necessary government licence.
Beyond Machines
Engineering was only one part of Naidu’s work. He also carried out agricultural research and developed improved varieties of cotton, maize and papaya through hybrid cultivation. His experiments attracted the attention of legendary scientists including CV Raman and M Visvesvaraya, who visited his farm to see his work firsthand.
The Educator Who Challenged British System
Naidu believed technical education should be practical instead of being theoretical. His contributions helped establish Arthur Hope Polytechnic, India’s first polytechnic institution, and Arthur Hope College of Engineering, now known as the Government College of Technology, Coimbatore.
He even served as the institution’s principal in 1945. Naidu later proposed shorter, intensive engineering programmes instead of four-year courses. The British administration rejected the idea, prompting him to resign.
A Global Traveller With An Extraordinary Life
During his journeys, he documented major historical events, including the funeral of King George V. He also met Adolf Hitler and filmed prominent Indian leaders such as Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru and Subhas Chandra Bose.
Although he briefly entered politics, his true focus remained innovation, education and industrial development. Following his retirement from the transport business in 1944, Naidu devoted much of his time to philanthropy.
He funded research scholarships, supported employee welfare programmes and contributed to projects that benefited Coimbatore, including efforts to bring Siruvani water to the city.
GD Naidu’s life is now set to reach a wider audience through GDN, directed by Krishnakumar Ramakumar and starring R Madhavan in the lead role. The film is scheduled for a worldwide theatrical release on July 17, 2026.
