Indian student creates
a mobile classroom
“A classroom is
generally a box with 4 walls and a blackboard on one side,” says budding
architect Jayshil Patel, “I came up with the whole idea of modifying the same
box in a different version making it modular and mobile”. The result is Baksha,
a modular moveable classroom that can be transported to remote places and
villages devoid of any educational infrastructure. Thus, bringing education
literally to the doorstep of disadvantaged communities.
Having been forced
to go to boarding school because there was no quality senior-secondary school
nearby, Jayshil says he couldn't help but think of those students who had
absolutely no access to any form of education and had to travel miles just to
get to a classroom. “Due to the sheer scale of the population in India, education is a luxury not a right;
especially for the poor and down trodden” he says.
This made him
rethink the whole concept of school and classroom, and sparked off the idea for
a moveable classroom that would bring education to children, particularly in
the rural areas, instead of forcing them away from their homes. The concept of
Baksha was thus, born. While examples are rife, across the world, of mobile
vans being used to provide books and other educational materials to people on
the go, there are several unique features that set Jayshil's innovation apart.
Although, it functions primarily as a
classroom, Baksha’s flexible nature allows it to be used for other purposes as
well. “The modular classroom with an area of 21 square metres is equipped with
the latest teaching techniques, storage space, modular furniture and public
utility services. As the furniture is modular it aligns itself with the floor”
Jayshil explains. “Fusing a few of the Baksha units together, it can be
utilized for performing various other activities. It can be converted into a
relief camp, clinic, polio booth centre, etc”
Besides being multi-purpose and
versatile Baksha is also environmentally friendly. Built using Medium-Density
Fibreboard (MDF) it uses solar panels for electricity and is economical in the
long run. It is also relatively easy to transport. Jayshil’s ‘box of life’ can
easily be attached to a truck, train or a helicopter depending on where it
needs to be transported.
He further adds, “The structure is
transparent so it gives an eye for natural light and ventilation.
Sound-proofing materials are also used. It can also be raised on stilts which
protects it from rain.”
However, despite the overwhelming
positives, the 22-year-old graduate of Sardar Vallabhai Patel Institute of
Technology is finding it extremely difficult to get adequate resources for his
project. As a result he is yet to create a prototype. He is currently looking
at government and corporate backing to help get his idea off the ground.
Innovation Jockey’s, he says has
given a great platform and the confidence to pursue other ideas and innovations.
And he doesn’t intend to stop. A conscientious architect he wants to innovate
in the field of sustainable buildings. “I am working on a concept home, which
would be the first Lead and Griha certified” says an excited Jayshil.
However, early challenges and hurdles
have already made the 22 year old wise beyond his years.
An innovator he says, like his idol Steve Jobs needs to have tremendous belief in himself and his ideas in order to fully succeed. For that one has to be willing to put up with the occasional failure.
An innovator he says, like his idol Steve Jobs needs to have tremendous belief in himself and his ideas in order to fully succeed. For that one has to be willing to put up with the occasional failure.
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