It was a dream come true for Anjali Gode from Ghantaji village of Yavatmal district when none other than former president Dr APJ Abdul Kalam congratulated the 10th standard student on Sunday for her project, which is aimed at helping farmers. Dr Kalam was particularly impressed by her presentation skills.
With Yavatmal often hitting headlines the farmer suicides, the girl could not have expected more during her visit to Mumbai. Yavatmal has seen the highest number of farmer suicides in Maharashtra in the past decade. So much so that Bodhbodan in the district is referred to as state's suicide capital.
A student of SPM Girl's High School, Anjali has designed a machine that can be used to spray pesticide or any other liquid with the help of a bicycle. The simple innovation doesn't required any fuel and can be operated by pedalling the bicycle.
After inaugurating Children's Science Congress, which has been organised along with the 102nd Indian Science Congress, currently underway on the Kalina campus of the University of Mumbai, Dr Kalam on Sunday visited an exhibition of innovations by students.
The eminent scientist was mighty impressed after Anjali explained him how her machine works. What struck the former president was the zeal shown by the girl as she gave a presentation.
Kalam asked her name and enquired about her studies. When she told him she was a student of tenth grade, Kalam shook hands with Anjali and wish her the best for her SSC examination. Interestingly, Kalam made it a point to take her project report with him when he left the exhibition.
Anjali said she won't forget the day in her life since none other than "Kalam sir" blessed her. "It was because of guidance from Atul Thakare sir that I could complete this project." She said that being the daughter of a farmer she knew what hardships a farmer goes through. "I would be very happy if my machines reaches maximum number of farmers."
Addressing the participants and visitors to the Children's Science Congress, Kalam said creative minds with persistent efforts can only bring about innovations and make discoveries. He emphasised the value of dreaming and pursuing it by asking students to understand their inner strength and develop a never-say-die attitude.
