Begin typing your search above and press return to search.

AAU driver turns innovator, earns accolades

By Pankaj Borthakur

JORHAT, April 29 � Scientific and technological innovation is a passion for 48-year-old driver Bhagaban Baruah of Assam Agricultural University (AAU). He has already applied for patents to his many technological innovations like hydro-float turbine, bio-products like organic sodium bicarbonate, besides two other bio-products to provide alternative way of generating electric energy and organic treatment in modern-day agriculture.

As the applied knowledge of physics, mathematics and chemistry of the undergraduate driver has caught the attention of researchers, senior scientists and professors of the university, the Indian Institute of Technology, Guwahati and the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research, Baruah has been unofficially provided some facilities on an old laboratory premises of the AAU to continue his works on research and development.

�I have been working as a permanent driver of AAU since 1987. Now I drive the ambulance of the university. Frankly speaking, innovation is passion for me which ignites my mind always. An air-compressor water pump was the first innovation for which I contributed immensely as an unofficial guide for some technology students in 2008 at the AAU campus,� he said.

Recently Baruah succeeded in producing organic sodium bicarbonate in the AAU laboratory which is waiting to be patented. Besides, his innovative technique applied in the machine called seed belt maker was appreciated by the authorities of IIT, Guwahati and he was invited for a detailed presentation before scientists, researchers, professors and patent officers in the presence of Prof PG Yamiyavar (head of the Centre for Education Technology, IIT-G) and Dr Utpal Bora (coordinator, IPR management cell, IIT-G).

The Institute of Advanced Studies of Science and Technology (IASST) also invited him for a presentation on many of his equipment.

Applauding the talents of Baruah, the Director of Research, AAU, Dr HC Hazarika said that they have �unofficially� provided him some support for research and development. �His knowledge in research and development expertise has been appreciated. He is an innovator,� said Dr Hazarika.

Some other experts commented that f his hydro-float turbine is being patented and it will be placed in the history of �most advanced technological innovation�. Pointing out the salient features of the turbine, they said that it has the ability to generate power by using buoyancy force of water.

Asked about the benefit of the technological equipment, Baruah revealed that people will be able to generate necessary electricity in a pond or a big reservoir by this turbine which may be considered a boon for every Indian in the future.

It is to be mentioned here that being an executive member of the Children�s Science Congress, Baruah helped several child scientists in Jorhat through his guidance in various innovative scientific projects.

Next Story