KASHMIR TO JAPAN: PIONEERING ODYSSEY OF THREE YOUNG INNOVATORS

In a significant feat, three Kashmiri students have been nominated for the prestigious Japan-Asia Youth Exchange Programme in Science, under the SAKURA Exchange Programme in Science. Shahida Bano from Baramulla, Danish Javed from Boys High School Bedreher in Machipora, Kupwara, and Mehvish Reyaz from Class 8 at Govt High School Akhran in Kulgam have been selected for this esteemed program. This achievement underscores the immense talent and potential that thrives in Jammu and Kashmir.

The Japan-Asia Youth Exchange Programme in Science is a collaborative initiative involving Japan and several other Asian nations. This program actively encourages international cooperation and cultural exchange in the field of science and technology. The selection process for students is a joint effort by SCERT and the National Innovation Foundation (NIF) in India. Ms. Sahreen Shakeel is serving as the J&K Coordinator of the INSPIRE-NIF program.

Following their nomination, these students are poised for an exciting journey to Japan. The Department of Science and Technology under the Government of India will cover their expenses up to Delhi, and once in Japan, the Japan Science Department (JSD) will oversee all their financial requirements.

Shahida Bano, a resident of Sheeri Narvaw in Baramulla, was honored with the Inspire National Award in May 2023. Shahida’s mentor teacher, Reyaz Ahmad Ghanai, presented her with the award during the National Technology Week (NTL) 2023 event, which was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on May 12th in New Delhi. The event saw the participation of thousands of innovators from across the country. Expressing her gratitude, Shahida said, ‘I am deeply thankful to Almighty Allah and my mentor teacher for their unwavering support since day one.’ Notably, Shahida had previously secured victory in the Inventor India Challenge (IIC) when she was a Class VIII student at Government Boys Middle School, Sheeri Payeen, Baramulla. This young innovator has devised a brilliant solution aimed at preventing minors from driving on Indian roads. Her project involves a smart vehicle key that utilizes a fingerprint sensor to determine the driver’s age and license number. Shahida was inspired to work on this project after witnessing the devastating impact of road accidents caused by underage drivers in her neighborhood. She firmly believes that her smart key has the potential to save countless precious lives. The functioning of this smart key is straightforward yet highly effective: it detects the driver’s fingerprint, age, and license number through a fingerprint sensor. If the driver is underage or lacks a valid license, the key will prevent the vehicle from starting. This simple yet ingenious solution has the potential to significantly reduce accidents caused by minors who are not legally authorized to drive. The headmaster of her school expressed immense joy at her selection for this esteemed program, which underscores the dedication and hard work of both the student and her guiding teacher. He emphasized that such achievements not only bring recognition to the students and their schools but also contribute to the overall development of scientific aptitude in the region.

Danish Javid Bhat, a resident of Handwara sub-district in North Kashmir, has brought honor to the entire district by earning a spot in the Japan-Asia Youth Exchange Programme. Danish has emerged as one of the top 60 candidates nationwide, securing his place through his innovative multi-use stove project in the prestigious National Level Exhibition and Project Competition (SLEPC). At Upper Primary School (UPS) Machipora, he initiated this project with the guidance of his teacher, Abbas Ahmad Gojree. After completing the eighth grade, he enrolled in Government Boys High School Bedreher. Even during this transition, he stayed in close contact with his teacher, Abbas. After two years of intense dedication and hard work, he successfully developed the multi-use stove. Danish expressed, ‘I am still striving to enhance the efficiency of my project. Currently, the stove operates on wood, but I’m looking forward to incorporating electricity or solar power to run it. I hope to achieve this goal quickly.’ He added, ‘The stove features four compartments, allowing different types of food to be cooked simultaneously at varying temperatures. It’s portable and, importantly, can also be used to heat rooms.’ His teacher and mentor, Abbas Ahmad Gojree, praised Danish for his unwavering dedication and determination towards his studies. He stated, ‘Danish’s achievement stands as a testament to the rewards of the hard work he invested in this project. It has become a symbol of hope and inspiration for other students in various government schools

Third innovator in the league is Mehvish Riyaz, a 19-year-old girl from South Kashmir’s Kulgam district who has earned the rare honor of winning the national Inspire-Manak award for inventing a lid opener for chemical bottles. Mehvish’s success has brought cheer to her school teachers and made her parents proud. Minister of State (Independent Charge) for the Ministry of Science and Technology and Earth Sciences, Dr. Jitendra Singh, conferred the award to Mehvish during the award function of the 8th NLEPC-2021 for INSPIRE-MANAK. Mehvish and her father, Riyaz Ahmad, credited her success to the school teachers. ‘My daughter and two other children were studying in a private school. I shifted them to the government school because of its reputation,’ Riyaz Ahmad said. ‘When you get ideas, you do not know whether it is a hobby or an interest. I call it an interest because I like what I do. Since childhood, I was much aligned with all this stuff,’ said Mehvish, adding that it was all possible because of her teachers and parents. She invented a lid opener for chemical bottles, which is useful and can solve problems associated with dealing with chemicals in a laboratory or industry. Her model was presented to and judged by various scientific innovation organizations at the exhibition.

The Department of Science and Technology, Government of India, will sponsor her expenses along with two other students from Kashmir up to Delhi. While in Japan, the Japan Science Department (JSD) will take care of all their financial requirements. ‘This incredible opportunity will allow them to interact with renowned scientists, engage in cutting-edge research, and experience the rich scientific and cultural heritage of Japan,’ said District Nodal Officer Baramulla, Dr. Parvaiz Ahmad.

The inspiring journey of these three innovators serves as a powerful testament to the undeniable truth that success is a direct result of unwavering dedication and tireless effort. It reaffirms that there are no shortcuts on the path to achievement. Instead, when one applies themselves diligently and with purpose, it opens the door to extraordinary innovations and breakthroughs. Their story stands as a beacon of motivation for aspiring innovators everywhere, reminding us that with the right mindset and hard work, remarkable accomplishments are well within reach.