Jameela Akhter
Baramulla: Shahida Bano of Sheeri Narvaw Baramulla-an 11th class student of the Government Higher Secondary School Fathegarh- is among three Kashmiri students who have been selected for the prestigious for Japan-Asia Youth Exchange Programme in Science under the SAKURA Exchange Programme in Science.
Shahida Bano was awarded the Inspire National Award and won the Inventor India Challenge when she was class 8th student in Government Boys Middle School Sheeri Payeen in Zone Fathegarh. She flanked by her guide teacher Reyaz Ahmad Ganai also feature at ‘The National Technology Week 2023, which inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi last month in which thousands of young innovators across India participated.
Expressing gratitude to the all those who helped the duo in the journey from Inspire Manak Award to participation in National Technology Week and now selection prestigious for Japan-Asia Youth Exchange Programme in Science, Shahida, said, “I am highly grateful to Almighty Allah and my mentor teacher Reyaz Ahmad Ganai for their support from day one. Besides, all my teachers, school authorities, Department of Science and Technology, GoI; National Innovation Foundation of India, JKSCERT,DIET Sopore and Chief Education Officer Baramulla which felicitated my participation in national awards and the National Technology Week 2023.”
Shahida has come up with a brilliant solution to prevent minors from driving on the Indian roads. Her project, a smart vehicle key, uses a fingerprint sensor to detect the age and license number of the driver.
Shahida says she was inspired to work on the project after witnessing the devastating impact of road accidents caused by minors in her neighbourhood. She says her smart key has the potential to save countless precious lives.
The smart key works by detecting finger print of the driver besides age and license number of the driver through a fingerprint sensor. If the driver is underage or doesn’t have a valid license, the key will not allow the vehicle to start. This simple, yet effective solution can go a long way in preventing accidents caused by minors who are not legally authorized to drive the vehicles.
This news has been received with great pride and excitement by Shahida Bano’s school, BMS Sheeri Payeen, as well as the entire district of Baramulla. The mentor teachers, district education officers (DNOs), and principals of related institutions have played a significant role in nurturing the potential of these aspiring scientists.
Headmaster of Government Middle School Sheeri Payeen Hafiza Bano and Principal Higher Secondary School Fathegarh Dr. Shameem Ahmad Bhat felt jubilant with her selection for this esteemed program which reflects dedication and hard work of both student and her guide teacher.
Dr. Sajad Ahmad Mir, the Provincial Nodal Officer of INSPIRE Awards MANAK in Kashmir Province, expressed his congratulations to Shahida Bano, Mehwish Reyaz, and Danish Javid, the three deserving students selected for the program. He extended his appreciation to the concerned mentor teachers, DNOs of districts Kulgam, Baramulla, and Kupwara, as well as the DIET Principals for their support and guidance.
Jubilant over the development, Prof Parikhat Singh Manhas, Director of State Council of Educational Research and Training (SCERT), Jammu and Kashmir, emphasized the significance of increasing nominations for the INSPIRE-Awards MANAK 2023–24, compared to previous years.
“Encouraging a larger participation in the INSPIRE programme will ultimately foster scientific temperament, creativity, and entrepreneurial skills in the next generation,” reiterated Prof Manhas.
The scheme, Innovation in Science Pursuit for Inspired Research (INSPIRE), is one of the flagship programs of the Department of Science & Technology (DST), Government of India that aims to motivate students in the age group of 10-15 years and studying in classes 6 to 10.
The Japan Science Department (JSD) will be hosting Shahida Bano, along with two other talented students from Jammu and Kashmir, during their upcoming visit to Japan. This incredible opportunity will allow them to interact with renowned scientists, engage in cutting-edge research, and experience the rich scientific and cultural heritage of Japan, said District Nodal Officer Baramulla Dr. Parvaiz Ahmad.
He emphasized that such achievements not only bring recognition to the students and their schools but also contribute to the overall development of scientific aptitude in the region.
The selection of students is jointly coordinated by SCERT and the National Innovation Foundation (NIF), India, with Mrs. Sahreen Shakeel serving as the J&K Coordinator of the INSPIRE-NIF and her team.
