Ridhakshi Ganjoo’s project, the “Versatile Kangri,” from Dolphin International School Pulwama, has been recognized as one of the top 30 ideas in the 11th National Level Exhibition and Project Competition (NLEPC) under the INSPIRE MANAK scheme, representing Jammu & Kashmir at the national level.
In an interview with Rising Kashmir, Ridhakshi Ganjoo recounted the inspiration behind her innovation, stating, “During winter, when the firepot accidentally fell on my grandmother’s foot, I conceived the idea to enhance the traditional Kashmiri Kangri to serve additional functions such as heating, melting, and roasting.”
“After I heard about the INSPIRE MANAK initiative, I submitted my innovative concept through my school, which received approval. Subsequently, I developed the ‘Versatile Kangri,’ which has now been selected for the national competition, ranking among the top 30 ideas in the 11th NLEPC under the INSPIRE MANAK scheme, representing Jammu & Kashmir.”
Ridhakshi said that the innovative projects if the seven students from the Jammu and Kashmir Union Territory had got selected for the National Level Exhibition and Project Competition (NLEPC) INSPIRE–MANAK 2022-2023. The students showcased their projects at the 11th NLEPC, which took place at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi, on September 17 and 18.
“The versatile kangri is an enhanced version of the traditional kangri, where the hemispherical Koundal has been redesigned into a thrustum shape to prevent spillage. Additionally, two metal components have been incorporated for basic roasting, melting, and heating purposes,” Ridhakshi explained.
She emphasized that the primary objective of this project is to address the electricity shortages experienced in Kashmir during winter, particularly affecting the elderly, who are prone to accidents when they inadvertently drop the kangri. This innovation aims to optimize the use of the kangri while enhancing safety.
Dr. Sajad Ahmad Mir, the Nodal Officer for INSPIRE MANAK in the Kashmir Division said that students from Jammu and Kashmir have consistently performed exceptionally well in national-level competitions. This time, Ridhakshi Ganjoo has brought pride to Jammu and Kashmir through her achievements into the national level competitions.
Meanwhile, Parikshat Singh Manhas, the Director of JKSCERT, along with other officials from SCERT, extended their congratulations to Ridhakshi Ganjoo for her outstanding performance in national-level competitions
