Kerala Technology University Vice Chancellor Kuncheria P. Isaac has stressed the need for frugal innovations that utilise limited resources.
Inaugurating the Innovators’ Meet organised by the Kerala Sasthra Sahithya Parishad at the Town Square here on Tuesday, Dr. Isaac pointed out that the country required innovations which “did more and better with less (resources)”.
“Creations which catered to specific target groups were much required to spur the economic growth of the country. For instance, agricultural prosperity demanded certain tools that assisted small-scale farmers, particularly due to the fact that most farmers had small holdings. Similarly, industrial growth depended on innovations which were effective and simple. At the same time, high quality must be ensured in products,” he said. He said the State was yet to witness a movement that focused on promoting creativity among developers in various fields. Educational institutions had a vital role to play in inculcating interest among students to develop innovative technologies.
Parishad vice president T.P. Sreesankar presided over the function. Alappuzha municipal chairperson Mercy Diana Macido, KSSP activists M. Gopakumar, P.V. Joseph, Deepak Dayanandan, K.M. Tahir and Joy Sebastian also spoke on the occasion.
The Kadiroor grama panchayat in Kannur won the top prize at the Clean Innovators’ meet for the waste management technique that has been implemented in the local body. The Kodungallur municipality was selected for a special jury award on the occasion.
In the Students’ Innovators’ session, Simon Kurian and Jacob Antony, students of St. Berchmans Higher Secondary School, Changanassery, emerged victorious for their innovative method in simplifying the process of rubber tapping. Aleena Jijy and Siya Sajan came second for devising a technique that replaced the conventional stretchers for carrying patients. A team led by Bibin Cyriac of the Sahrdaya College of Engineering and Technology, Kodakara, finished in the third position.
A Classroom Innovators’ meet that highlights methods undertaken by local bodies and parent-teacher associations in strengthening the academic system will be held on Wednesday.