There are a lot of people who have wondered and fantasised about the mysteries of science from their childhood. Many leave it at that, caring little to pursue their sense of wonderment and see how science works at different levels, to experiment and innovate. There are also many, mostly unknown to the outside world, who pursue their passion for science in their limited way and do things that make them happy and spread some understanding of science in their neighbourhood. Y.N. Nandakumar, an electronic technician with the Kerala State Road Transport Corporation who lives at Venjaramoodu, belongs to the latter group, doing little experiments in his little shack and ushering in school students in the locality into the wonderful world of science.
A graduate in Malayalam, Mr. Nandakumar has been using what could only be called electronic junk for his experiments. Using leftover and junked electronic parts and materials, he has created several working models. He has been exhibiting these at nearby schools, giving students the opportunity to touch and feel for themselves what they would otherwise see only as words and pictures in their textbooks. There is a steady stream of students to his house and his gadget-filled little room to get tips from him on doing experiments.
Mr. Nandakumar has also participated in several science exhibitions and even the National Rural Innovators’ Meet. There are as many as 70 gadgets and working models stocked in his congested room. Among the many gadgets that he has created are a laser-powered security system, an electronic electroscope which works with static electricity, and a mechanical which works without using any fuel or electricity, which he has forwarded to the Travancore Devaswom Board for implementation at Sabarimala. He also possesses a collection of ores of various elements. He had approached the office of the Chief Minister with the plea that he be given support to set up a small science museum for the local students, and is hoping for a favourable reply.
