Unusual innovation wins village teen Japanese exchange programme

14-year-old Ramkrishna Ahirwar invented a magical umbrella for his farmer father Nandram Ahirwar, who spent most of his life working hard on his tiny farm in Karmedi village of Vidisha, Madhya Pradesh. His father would return late from his farm and would encounter difficulties while holding umbrella and torch together, making him vulnerable to attacks from wild animals, with both hands occupied. Owing to this necessity, Ramkrishna created a solar panel umbrella using raw materials from everyday articles like solar panel & LED lights from torches, mosquito killer racket for charging point and buttons to operate the whole system. Ramkrishna won district, state and national level exhibitions competition for innovation. But he never thought that his concern for his father will give him a chance to travel to Japan. Ramkrishna has been selected for Sakura (Japan) Exchange programme under INSPIRE award of Ministry of science and technology scheduled to be held in May.