A three-day exhibition, comprising technical innovations from the grassroots level in the country and part of the ongoing Udyanotsav, culminated on the lawns of Rashtrapati Bhavan on Wednesday. Inaugurated by President Pratibha Patil on March 14, the focus of the second annual exhibition — partnered by the National Innovation Foundation (NIF) — were unique inventions from the North-East.

 

Among 45 stalls at the exhibition, six were from Manipur, while 32 were from rural areas across the country. Among the innovations is a double shuttle loom made by Ngangom Nabakumar Singh, a 44-year-old driver from Manipur. The device allows weaving two sets of cloth rolls at the same time. “I have studied till Class IV. I have always been fascinated by handlooms, and so when the idea of a machine that could be used to weave two designs at the same time struck, I did not hesitate,” says Singh, proudly showcasing his device.

 

“I had to sell four of my cows for the initial investment of Rs 27,000. But I do not regret it — my machine is my baby,” he says.

 

Mangi Singh’s creation — a mat-making machine — makes the delicate process of mat-designing easier. “Even physically challenged persons can weave two mats a day on this machine. It increases productivity phenomenally,” says Singh, a designer of Manipur’s traditional Kouna mats by profession.

 

Another favourite is the portable smokeless stove, made by Ashok Thakur who has come all the way from Bihar. Running on paddy husk, a rural farm waste, it produces a smokeless flame and is already being sold in Bihar. 

 

“It took me five to six months to design this stove. Not only does it eliminate pollution, but in cases of floods or other disasters, it can be transported quickly. You can even cook on a boat in the middle of the river with my device,” says Thakur, who has studied upto Class V.

 

Archana Dutta, OSD to the President said: “The President attended an NIF event and thought such creations should be showcased at the heart of the city. The event was timed to coincide with Mughal Garden’s Udyanotsav.”