Pooja Pal's Dust-Free Thresher Wins National Award

Pooja Pal, a 17-year-old student from Agehra village in Barabanki district, Uttar Pradesh, India, has gained national recognition for her innovative creation of a low-cost, dust-free wheat thresher model. Developed at a cost of approximately ₹3,000, this thresher addresses respiratory issues caused by dust from traditional threshing machines, which often affect children in her community. Pooja's journey, marked by determination and creativity, illustrates how innovation can arise from everyday challenges faced in rural settings. Growing up in a financially modest family, she was inspired to create her dust-free thresher after witnessing the health issues caused by dust near her school. Despite limited resources, Pooja began experimenting with the design under the guidance of her science teacher, Rajiv Srivastav. The thresher was engineered to collect dust and husk instead of allowing it to disperse into the air, utilizing simple materials and innovative techniques.

Her project not only aimed to solve a local problem but also underscored the potential for young innovators to make a significant impact in their communities. Pooja's thresher was submitted to the INSPIRE-MANAK programme, which encourages students to develop innovative solutions. Her project advanced through district and state levels, ultimately earning national recognition as she became one of the winners. This achievement opened doors for her journey to Japan in June 2025, where she participated in the Sakura Science High School Programme, representing Uttar Pradesh among 54 Indian students. This experience proved transformative, allowing her to engage with advanced scientific practices and cultural exchanges.

In September 2025, Pooja's story received further national attention when it was featured in the documentary Karmayog: Ek Anant Yatra, which focused on Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of education and empowerment. Her recognition continued to grow as she was honored with the Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar for her contributions to science and innovation. Pooja's achievements have made her a role model for young girls in Uttar Pradesh, emphasizing the importance of education and perseverance. Looking ahead, Pooja Pal's journey signifies the potential for young innovators to drive change in their communities. Her future goals include furthering her education and continuing to innovate in the field of science. By showcasing the impact of grassroots innovation, Pooja's story inspires others to pursue their dreams and contribute positively to society. Her achievements highlight the significance of supporting young talent and the role of education in nurturing creativity and innovation in rural India.