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Village Girl Invents Dust-Free Thresher
27 Aug
Summary
- She invented a low-cost dust-free thresher model.
- Her invention earned national recognition and trips.
- She faced village mockery but persevered with her idea.
Pooja Pal, a young woman from Uttar Pradesh, demonstrated that innovation can arise from necessity, not just advanced labs. Growing up in a modest village, she noticed children coughing due to dust from a nearby wheat-threshing machine. This everyday problem sparked her determination to find a solution.
Fueled by her parents' insistence on education, Pooja, with the help of a local welder and her science teacher, developed a low-cost dust-free thresher model. This innovative design aimed to collect dust and husk, preventing them from spreading into the air. The project, costing around ₹3,000, was initially met with ridicule from villagers.
Her groundbreaking project gained national attention through the INSPIRE-MANAK programme, progressing from district to national levels. This recognition led to Pooja being selected for the Sakura Science High School Programme in Japan in June 2025, an extraordinary leap for someone who had limited local exposure.
Pooja's inspiring journey was further highlighted in the documentary 'Karmayog: Ek Anant Yatra' in September 2025, showcasing her as a beacon of educational possibility. She was honored with the Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar in December 2025 and recognized as a Mission Shakti role model in Uttar Pradesh.
Looking ahead, Pooja plans to launch a small business after completing Class 12 to fund her college education and support her family. Her ambition extends beyond personal success; she aims to prove her potential to those who once underestimated her.
