Indian student creates a mobile classroom

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.

Source:

https://in.news.yahoo.com/indian-student-creates-a-mobile-classroom-051203637.html

 

 

This 17-year-old law aspirant, uses his toes to write exams

This 17-year-old law aspirant, uses his toes to write exams


Manoj Machra was born with no hands. In normal circumstances, someone with his disability would have accepted his fate and moved on, but not this 17-year-old: He hopes to get 80-85 percent in his secondary exams and aspires for a career in law.

His sheer grit and determination to complete his education against all odds is now inspiring his peers in a Rajasthan village these days. Manoj uses his toes to write his answer papers.
It is not for the first time that Manoj, a resident of Amarsar village in Churu district, over 250 km from Jaipur, has fluently written this way. This wonder boy has proved his academic excellence over the past few years despite being disabled.

"I secured 78 percent marks in my secondary examination. I cleared the upper primary education with 86.86 percent," Manoj proudly told IANS.
"Now I hope to clear my senior secondary by securing over 80-85 percent marks", he said. He has taken science and maths as his subjects.
Manoj said that as he grew up, he found in himself a strong desire to complete his education.
"My parents used to worry how I would chase my dream, but I never let my disability bog me down and come in the way of my dream. I worked hard and practised to write using my left leg. Everybody gets surprised when they know that I have been able to secure such good marks without hands," he said.

Manoj who took the help of a writer in his 10th class exam, didn't ask for an assistant writer during the senior secondary examination.
"I am entitled to it, but I didn't ask for help. I did seek additional time to complete my examination paper as I am entitled to an hour's extension," said Manoj.
"In the 10th class exam, I felt I had secured less percentage because I took the help of a writer so this time I did not take help," he said.
He added that he had to practice for hours to comfortably write with his toes.
"I am now very comfortable with writing with my toes. I have just finished writing my senior secondary examination. I have studied a lot and hope to secure distinction in all the subjects," said Manoj.

Manoj aspires to join the legal services after completing his education. "I now want to take up law as a subject," he added.
Manoj is the eldest of two brothers. His father runs a fair price shop for providing subsidised foodgrain.
"We and his school always encouraged him to do whatever he wants and we will continue to do so," his father, RK Machra, said.

Source:
http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/17-year-old-law-aspirant-uses-his-toes-to-write-exams/1/352408.html

Scaling new heights despite disability

Scaling new heights despite disability

Arunima, first female amputee in the world to have conquered Mt. Everest, has set her eyes on highest peaks in seven continents

Arunima Sinha’s story of grit and glory started on the railway track. And, it took her to the world’s highest peak. Coming across as any other regular youngster, Arunima can influence anyone by narrating her life experiences. The first female amputee in the world to have scaled and conquered Mt. Everest was in the city on Friday to address women managers of various corporate firms.

Titled ‘TAF Leadership Programme,’ the event was organised by The Atlanta Foundation (TAF).

“Lying in the hospital with an amputated leg and serious injuries, I decided to play the toughest game of my life which was climbing Mt. Everest,” said Arunima, who was a national level player of volleyball and football prior to the accident.

Arunima had lost her leg in April 2011, when she fell off the running Delhi-Lucknow train after a scuffle with some thieves. She spent almost four months recovering from the accident during which she got prosthetic legs.

Surprisingly, she climbed the Mt. Everest in May 2013 exactly two years after the incident.

Elaborating on her 28-hour mountaineering journey, which included reaching to Mt. Everest and returning back to the base camp, she said, “From the beginning the toughest part was not to convince myself that I can do this but rather was about convincing others around me. Even on the day when I set out from my base camp, the accompanying local Sherpa was hesitant to accompany me.

“As we were nearing the summit, we encountered a lot of problems, my artificial leg was giving me problems as it was bleeding heavily. I was also low on oxygen in the cylinders that we were carrying. The only thing on my mind was to be alive till I hoist the tricolour on the summit.”

Passion drives her

Having given inspirational talks to more than 1.5 lakh youngsters after her successful expedition, she has a strong message for youngsters. “These days, youngsters lack serious aim in their life and the passion to achieve it. They seem to be straying because of which some of the suicides are taking place.”

On her future plans, she said that she wants to climb all the highest peaks in the seven continents of the world.

 

Source:

 

http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Hyderabad/scaling-new-heights-despite-disability/article5615103.ece?homepage=true

Aman Rehman: India's young 'Animation' genius

Aman Rehman: India's young 'Animation' genius

He is a 10th grader, but don't mistake him for an ordinary school going student. At 13, Aman Rehman creates an unbelievable sight when he dons the hat of a lecturer, teaching college students in animation institutes in Dehradun. Aman has already made more than 1000 animation films. Take a look at this incredible story.

For more information visit:
http://in.news.yahoo.com/video/aman-rehman-indias-young-animation-074004578.html

Diwali Specials By Inmates of Kasturba Gandhi National Memorial Trust - Hyderabad

Inmates of Kasturba Gandhi National Memorial Trust (KGNMT), Hyderabad prepared several creative artifacts for the upcoming Diwali Season. This Diwali season will really be brightened by these artifacts.  KGNMT inmates have once again exhibited their creative talent.  KGNMT  creative talent certainly needs to be recognized and encouraged.  Let us join hands and make them feel proud.

Please contact
Mr. Murthy 9347502345
Mr. Srinivas 9393667141
for further details and placing orders.  Please remember, your are supporting for a CAUSE.

Thanks you very much for your support and encouragement.

Web Site: http://kgnmthyd.org

Facebook : http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-KGNM-Trust-Hydershakote-Hyd/173116779398544?sk=info

e-mail: kgnmtrusthyd@gmail.com  

  


      
 

Innovation Jockeys Inspiration

Students on a mission to save India's Mothers

Innovation Jockeys Inspiration

“One of our team members’ sister suffered through two miscarriages. When she got pregnant a third time, Dr. Shital Munde ensured she received round-the-clock medical care and kept track with daily reports. This time, the pregnancy was a success,” recounts Shantanu Pathak, a member of Team CareMother.  

From left to right: Swapnil, Shantanu, Vaibhav and Dr Shital Somani

While they had managed to save a family member’s life through intensive medical care, Shantanu, a Telecommunications Engineer couldn’t help thinking of the women who had no access to even primary health care. What happened to them?

The research that followed threw up some shocking statistics. According to the WHO, 800 women die every day in India from preventable causes related to pregnancy and child birth. The yearly count of pregnant women in India is 30 million; with 75% of them belong to the rural areas of the country. Proper medical attention and healthcare is inaccessible in most of these areas leading to the high mortality rate. This was unforgivable. What good were the advances in modern medicine when they couldn’t reach those who required it the most? Maybe further advances needed to be made.
There was need to develop a system that would be easily accessible for women across the country to receive appropriate medical care and diagnosis during their pregnancy. The aim was to ‘educate pregnant women, empower health workers with advance tool and enable doctors to track records of all patients at one place’. If they were to deliver on all of these goals the solution required varied areas of expertise. Thus, apart from Dr. Shital Munde and Shantanu the effort brought together an interdisciplinary team from Mumbai consisting of a Polymer Engineer Swapnil Kokate, Vaibhav Tidke a Chemical Engineer, Dr Shital Somani a Dentist and Aditya Kulkarni a Computer Engineer.

The endeavor gave birth to an innovation the team calls CareMother. The innovation consists of a portable kit of sensors integrated with a mobile application for pregnancy (high risk and regular) care which can be integrated with public hospitals, government healthcare databases and even Aadhar Card ID systems.

“It allows basic, non-invasive medical test at home with unique kit and mobile application, enable doctor to track and analyse patient with historical data, connect doctor and patient 24X7 by mobile app, early diagnosis of high risk complications,” explains Vaibhav.
The team is determined that their innovation will empower gynecologists, government and health workers to reach and manage many patients and offer them quality of service.

“Over five years, CareMother will reach 15000 rural health centres and 15 million women in India by saving millions of lives, creating digital pregnancy care awareness and government money with 15 extra visits at home,” they tell us.

Apart from winning the Public Service category at Innovation Jockeys 2013, CareMother has won numerous accolades in the country and overseas as well. Chief amongst these, is being named among the top 10 innovations for Silicon Valley Programme by DST-Lockheed Martin Corp jointly with Stanford University and University of Texas, Austin, USA.

So what is their innovation mantra?

“Find the problem and convert it to an opportunity,” says Dr. Shital Munde.

Source:
http://in.specials.yahoo.com/news/students-to-the-rescue-of-india-s-mother-075730699.html

Engineer wins Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Award for creating synthetic bone

Engineer wins Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Award for creating synthetic bone

There is a new bone in contention only it is a synthetic one.

This synthetic bone is the work of Bikramjit Basu, a 40-year-old scientist who studied metallurgy (now called materials science) and is one of the eight recipients of India's very own Nobel Prize for young scientists-the Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Awards, 2013.

He has won the award in 'engineering sciences' but his research promises to take care of the common man's health woes. In a country where 50 per cent of the population faces risk of some sort of bone disease, Basu has come up with a lab-grown bone.

Bikramjit Basu is a 40-year-old scientist who studied metallurgy.

That's the way of 21st century science, where cutting-edge research in biosciences is happening through engineers, physicists and chemists. "That's because, we ask different questions and pursue different methods, that biologists do not ask or are not interested in," says Basu, associate professor of materials research center at the Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore.

New research in the medical sciences is also marked by a materials rush. Biomaterials, from nature or grown in the lab, are substances that are being 'mashed' with biological systems, supplementing or replacing natural functions. The 50-year-old science has grown so much that the materials are now being used every day in surgical procedures and drug delivery.

"Natural bone consists of collagen and something called hydroxyapatite," says Basu. Collagen is a protein that gives bone its resilience, while hydroxyapatite-the source of bone calcium-provides strength and rigidity. For the last four-five years, Basu and his team-first at IIT-Kanpur and then at IISc-has been working on developing an 'implantable biomaterial' that would regenerate bones. "We needed to create something that would have electrical property, biological compatibility, strength and toughness to resist fractures."

His engineering skills came into play: measuring a material's ability to conduct electric current is essentially an engineer's approach. But the problem in hand was fundamentally biological: "Cells in the body communicate with each other by sending and receiving signals," he adds. Signals, from outside the body or from other cells, are passed on though electrical impulse. In a unique experiment in his lab Basu showed that when electrical current was sent in, his bone implants allowed cells to "crosstalk" and grow.

The science has enormous healthcare implications. It simply means better treatment and healing for bone injuries: it can be fixed onto bones, be shaped to fit voids or chips, be absorbed by the body eventually to re-grow new bones.

Question is: when will it reach the common man? "For lab-grown systems to work in the body, there are many more steps that need to be taken, including clinical trials," he says. For that clinicians and engineers need to work very closely. "But in our country such work rarely takes place. Everybody works in isolation. And scientific research does not get translated into application." This is where the West beats the developing world. During his research at University of Leuven in Belgium as well as University of California, Santa Barbara, US, this is what he saw: "Most top universities have a hospital and a host of research labs work in collaboration with it. The work gets translated seamlessly, from lab bench-side to hospital bedside."

For now, such awards bring visibility to the field and to our world-class researchers. For Basu's father, who could never pursue his academic dreams and worked in the railways to hold his family together in the wake of Partition, this is a dream come true. The nation, however, has to walk many more miles before the synergy of science and clinical application can join hands to reach the common man.

Source:

http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/engineering-sciences-bikramjit-basu-synthetic-bone-shanti-swarup-bhatnagar-award/1/312074.html