Prez secretariat promotes grassroots innovators

From a novel motorcycle ambulance to a transportable incubator, President Pranab Mukherjee's office played host to these and many other indigenous grassroots innovations as part of an exhibition here.
A total of 40 innovators displayed their exhibits in medical sciences and bio-technology at the President's estate here. There was an interaction of scientists with grassroots innovators as well, organisers said today.
Among the prominent exhibits was a motorcycle ambulance. The two-wheeler innovation was developed with support from Chhattisgarh, UNICEF and local non-government organisation Saathi and can be of help in the remote areas of the Naxal- affected states.
"It is cost-effective and can work wonderfully in difficult terrain, especially in remote villages with poor road connectivity.

"We are using the motorcycle ambulance in Chhattisgarh's Narayanpur and people are encouraging it," said Bhupesh Tiwari, President, 'Saathi Samaj Sewi Sansthan'.
Another innovation much appreciated by the visitors was a 'transportable incubator' for infants that can run on car or tractor battery.

Also, there was a mosquito trap, a device that can attract and kill mosquitoes, an 'affordable standing wheelchair', 'multipurpose army field cot cum stretcher', 'a smartphone microscope for point-of-care diagnostics' and a device for 'real-time drug adherence monitoring for tuberculosis patients', among others.
Scientists from Bhabha Atomic Research Centre displayed "innovative technologies for Swachh Bharat-solid waste management' and another innovation "Aakash-Bani: a voice- output communication aid for the speech and motor impaired" were also on show at the exhibition.

"We will validate these innovations and provide a platform to them. The President Secretariat has taken a unique step by providing a platform to these grassroots innovators. Such steps will go a long way in encouraging indigenous innovations," said Prof Anil Gupta, Executive Vice- Chairperson, National Innovation Foundation.
The exhibition was organised as part of the ongoing week- long Festival of Innovations, that ends on Saturday.