UP, July21,2025: In the small village of Dhalai Purwa, Uttar Pradesh, Pooja lives in a fragile hut made of tarpaulin and thatch.
Grassroots Origins
In the small village of Dhalai Purwa, Uttar Pradesh, Pooja lives in a fragile hut made of tarpaulin and thatch. Her father, Puttialal, works as a daily wage laborer, and her mother Sunila cooks mid-day meals at a local school. Despite their poverty and lack of basic amenities like proper shelter or toilets, the family prioritizes education over everything else.
A Spark of Scientific Curiosity
Pooja’s journey into science began with a simple yet frustrating classroom experience. As a student of Class 8 at Aghehra Upper Primary School, she often noticed dust from a nearby thresher entering through classroom windows, disrupting learning and causing health issues.
This discomfort led her to question how to stop the dust. Her curiosity intensified when she saw her mother sifting flour at home using a traditional sieve. That everyday act became the seed of innovation. With the encouragement of her science teacher, Rajiv Srivastava, she began developing a solution.
The Invention: Pooja Dust Separation Device
What began as a school science project evolved into the now-acclaimed Pooja Dust Separation Device. Initially drawn on chart paper, then crafted with wood and paper, the final prototype was created using tin and a welding machine.
The device is designed to capture airborne dust and microscopic particles emitted during grain processing. These particles pose significant health risks to farmers and laborers, especially those working outdoors without protection.
By filtering this dust, the device promotes cleaner air and better respiratory health for agricultural workers, making it both an innovative and socially impactful invention.
From Prototype to Patent
Pooja’s device quickly moved beyond school science fairs. It was selected at the district and state levels for its practical utility and innovative design. Eventually, it gained national attention and is now being patented by the Ministry of Science & Technology.
The patent not only validates the scientific merit of her work but also secures her intellectual property rights. As per teacher Rajiv Srivastava, under the INSPIRE scheme, the ownership of the idea always remains with the student—a rare and empowering clause in India’s innovation ecosystem.
INSPIRE Award: A Turning Point
The INSPIRE Award – MANAK (Innovation in Science Pursuit for Inspired Research) is a flagship program of India’s Department of Science and Technology, launched in 2006. It aims to foster creativity and innovative thinking among school students.
In 2023, over 700,000 students from across India submitted ideas. Among these, 100,000 were awarded ₹10,000 each to develop their prototypes. Pooja was among the 441 shortlisted at the national level. Ultimately, she was selected in the top 60 for the Sakura Science Exchange Program in Japan.
Representing India in Japan
For Pooja, flying to Japan was a surreal experience. She recalls how the very thought of sitting in an airplane was once a fantasy. Before this opportunity, traveling to nearby cities like Barabanki and Lucknow felt like big undertakings.
Now, she has represented India in an international forum, showcasing her model and sharing her experiences with students and scientists from other countries. The pride she brought to her village is immeasurable. As she recalls, “People now say, look, the girl from Dhalai Purwa has returned from Japan.”
Family’s Role in Pooja’s Success
Behind Pooja’s success is a family that stood firm against adversity. Her mother Sunila remembers the taunts:
“People used to say—this girl just plays around. Now those same people don’t stop praising her.”
Despite earning meager wages, they never let poverty become an excuse to pull their children out of school. Sunila says,
“We’ll eat salt and bread, but never send our children to do labor.”
Her father, Puttialal, is overcome with pride:
“People say, you worked as a laborer and sent your daughter to Japan. My chest swells with pride. I feel my hard work has paid off.”
The Power of Mentorship
A major pillar in Pooja’s journey is her science teacher, Rajiv Srivastava. He not only guided her technically but encouraged her curiosity from the beginning. He firmly believes that India’s future scientists lie in rural schools—waiting for the right support and direction.
He praises the INSPIRE scheme, saying it nurtures critical thinking and problem-solving among schoolchildren. He also emphasizes the importance of early exposure to science and hands-on learning.
From Village to the World
Pooja’s story is a living example of how ideas can break socio-economic barriers. With limited access to internet, electricity, or modern labs, she developed an invention that now stands on the global stage. Her model doesn’t just work—it matters.
It addresses a real problem for real people and proposes a solution that is affordable, accessible, and effective. It has the power to improve health conditions for thousands of rural workers.
Her journey reminds us that innovation isn’t limited to urban laboratories or elite institutions—it can begin in the most unlikely places, even a tarpaulin hut.
The Road Ahead for Pooja
Pooja dreams of becoming a full-time scientist and wants to take up a job to support her family. She hopes to develop more such solutions for rural communities and make science accessible to children in villages like hers.
The family still lives without a proper house or sanitation. But their determination to keep moving forward is stronger than ever.
For students inspired by Pooja’s story, the next deadline to apply for the INSPIRE scheme is September 15, 2025. Applications can be submitted on the official
The journey of the Pooja Dust Separation Device is a compelling example of resilience, innovation, and the impact of grassroots science. Her success speaks volumes—not only about her personal dedication but also about the possibilities that emerge when rural talent is nurtured with guidance, opportunity, and belief.
From a dusty classroom in Uttar Pradesh to the laboratories of Japan, Pooja’s story proves that scientific dreams can take flight from even the humblest of beginnings.
