Every year, National Science Day reminds us of the transformative power of science and innovation. In rural India, grassroots innovators use their ingenuity to develop low-cost, effective solutions to critical challenges.
From sustainable cooling to smart farming tools, these five Indian innovators are proving that science, coupled with education, can drive real change at scale.
1) Mansukhbhai Prajapati
Hailing from Gujarat, Mansukhbhai Prajapati is the founder of ‘Mitticool, ’ a company producing more than 250 varieties of clay-based products. His most revolutionary creation is a refrigerator made entirely of clay that runs without electricity, providing a sustainable cooling solution for rural households.
His innovation helps communities store perishable food items affordably while reducing dependence on conventional energy sources, making refrigeration accessible to those without electricity.
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2) Girish Badragond
A rural innovator from Bijapur, Karnataka, Girish Badragond, has created ‘Blind Farming Technology,’ a first-of-its-kind machine that allows visually impaired farmers to cultivate land independently.
The machine includes a digital stick with a sensor that detects the moisture content, nutrition level, and soil temperature, which is announced on an audio system. His innovation ensures precision and inclusivity in agriculture, empowering disabled individuals to earn a livelihood with dignity.
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3) Ashok Gorre
At just 17, Ashok Gorre, from a family of farmers in Suryapet District, Telangana, developed low-cost farming tools that simplified labour-intensive agricultural tasks like sowing, reaping, and weeding.
He co-founded Rural Rise Agrinery in 2023 to further develop accessible agricultural machinery. His affordable and efficient tools have significantly reduced the manual effort required in farming, particularly benefiting small-scale farmers who struggle with high equipment costs.
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4) Pradeep Kumar
A farmer and innovator from Petwar village in Hisar, Haryana, Pradeep Kumar tackled the issue of solar panel theft by designing a mobile solar panel trolley. This innovative setup allows panels to be moved and stored safely when not in use.
His startup, TG Solar Pumps, also provides a year of free servicing, ensuring farmers can benefit from renewable energy without fear of theft or maintenance hassles.
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5) Raju Mupparapu
From Gopalapuram village in Warangal, Telangana, Raju Mupparapu has developed an intelligent lighting system that automatically turns off streetlights when not needed, using a Light Dependent Resistor (LDR) sensor.
Installed in over 120 panchayats and the Warangal municipality, his solution has significantly reduced electricity wastage by 30% and saved costs for local administrations. By promoting energy conservation at the grassroots level, Raju’s innovation is a step towards sustainable urban and rural development.
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These five rural innovators exemplify the power of science in solving real-world problems. Their efforts, while enhancing daily life, inspire future generations to think creatively and contribute meaningfully to society.
Edited by Arunava Banerjee
