Students win Rs10,000 Inspire-Manak Award
Two students from Jalandhar have been awarded the prestigious Inspire-Manak (Innovation in Science Pursuit for Inspired Research – Million Minds Augmenting National Aspiration and Knowledge) award this year. This initiative by the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India, aims to foster a culture of innovation and scientific inquiry among school students.
Divyanshi Mehra, a Class 8 student from Swami Sant Dass Public School, is one of the recipients. She has been awarded Rs 10,000 for her innovative project titled ‘Pervious Concrete Roads: A Green Solution for Sustainable Urban Development.’ The second recipient, Angad Deep Singh, a Class IX student from Innocent Hearts School, has received the same amount for his project, ‘Cuddle Buddy.’ His project is a sensor-based product designed to keep parents informed about their child’s well-being while being taken care of by a babysitter.
Divyanshi’s project addresses the use of pervious concrete roads, which offer an eco-friendly alternative to traditional road surfaces. These roads allow water to percolate through porous structures, helping reduce urban flooding, replenish groundwater, filter pollutants, and lower city temperatures. Her project provides a sustainable approach to infrastructure development, aligning with India’s Smart Cities Mission.
Her Principal, Dr Sonia Mago, along with the faculty and staff, congratulated Divyanshi on her achievement. Her parents, Dr Rohit Mehra and Dr Sonia Chawla, both professors at Dr BR Ambedkar National Institute of Technology, expressed immense pride in her accomplishment. They attributed her success to her hard work, dedication, and the encouragement she received from her teachers. “Our daughter’s achievement highlights the importance of early exposure to science and innovation, encouraging students to explore, experiment, and develop solutions for a sustainable future,” said Dr Mehra.
Angad Deep Singh’s project, ‘Cuddle Buddy,’ is a sensor-based device designed to provide vital health parameters, such as body temperature, when a child hugs the toy. This is especially useful for working parents, as the toy can help monitor the child’s condition even when the parents are away. The sensor also alerts when the diaper needs changing. Amit Kumar, Project Coordinator and Vice Principal of Innocent Hearts School, explained, “If developed commercially, this project could be a game-changer for working parents, making it easier to monitor their child’s well-being remotely.”
The Vice Principal added that the recognition of Angad’s project has provided a big boost to further develop the idea and continue exploring innovative solutions. Both students have been rewarded with Rs 10,000 as an incentive to further develop their projects and contribute to innovation and scientific research.
