The Hindu Business Line : Children lead the way at science congress

WHILE veteran scientists are busy discussing serious issues such as disaster management, conservation of mushroom fungi and new biology at the Indian Science Congress, budding scientists are telling people how to work wonders in their daily lives by following simple techniques.

Vishwa Teja, a four-year-old from Nuziveedu in Krishna district, is probably the youngest scientist at the 93rd edition of the science congress. Ask him what his mission is, he says, "Man thinks he is big and goes on a rampage, felling trees. If trees are cut down, human beings and birds too would be destroyed."

Meet K. Masha Nazeem, a class eight student from St Joseph's Convent in Nagercoil, who has developed a hi-tech train toilet that collects waste in a container. "As the train approaches a station, the driver can switch off the control valve of the toilet system, preventing the waste from falling on the tracks. The storage tank can be emptied elsewhere. If the train passes through a city, the tank can be dumped into the city's drainage system," says Masha.

This system would ensure 100 per cent cleanliness on tracks, particularly in the stations, she says.

What prompted her to work on the project? A news story based on Mr Lalu Prasad Yadav's statement that warned people against throwing rubbish on the tracks. "It is good. But you can't stop people from spoiling the track sitting in the toilets," she argues.

The model has won several State and national level awards. Of all the adulation, she cherishes the pat from the President, Mr A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, the most. After witnessing the demo, he had advised her to apply for a patent.

The Railways too has taken the idea seriously. Mr R. Velu, Minister of State for Railways, had gone on record saying that the system would be used in the Railways soon.

Swetha and Ramya of Obul Reddy Public School (Hyderabad) have demonstrated a model for buildings that ensure better storage and reuse of rainwater.

Interestingly, a good number of the exhibits at the Children's Science Congress focused on environment, water and conservation of energy.

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