Jorhat Teen Wins National Sustainability Innovation Honour

Young Innovator from Assam

Jorhat Teen Wins National Sustainability Innovation Honour: Aishi Prisha Borah, a 14-year-old student from Jorhat district in Assam, has gained national attention for her innovative work in sustainability and science-based solutions. Her efforts reflect a strong blend of scientific curiosity, environmental responsibility, and community-oriented thinking at a very young age.

She was awarded the Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar, India’s highest civilian honour for children. The award recognises her exceptional contribution in the science and technology category, highlighting the role of youth in solving environmental challenges.

Static GK fact: Jorhat is an important educational and cultural hub of Upper Assam, often called the “Cultural Capital of Assam”.

Innovative Projects for Sustainability

Aishi’s work focuses on low-cost, practical innovations that promote sustainability and reduce waste. Her projects are rooted in everyday materials and locally relevant problems, making them accessible and impactful.

One of her notable initiatives involves natural farming techniques, which aim to minimise the use of chemical fertilisers and pesticides. This approach supports soil health, ecological balance, and long-term agricultural sustainability.

Another key project is newspaper mulching, where waste newspapers are reused to conserve soil moisture and suppress weeds. This method reduces agricultural input costs while promoting recycling.

Static GK Tip: Mulching helps reduce evaporation losses and improves soil temperature regulation, especially in tropical agriculture.

Waste to Wealth Innovation

Among her most recognised contributions is the design of a machine that converts discarded newspapers into usable pencils. This innovation strongly reflects the waste-to-wealth concept and supports circular economy practices.

By transforming waste paper into educational tools, her idea addresses both environmental pollution and resource efficiency. It also promotes awareness about recycling among students and local communities.

Static GK fact: The circular economy model focuses on reducing waste by reusing and recycling materials to extend their lifecycle.

National Recognition and Platforms

Aishi has represented Assam at prestigious national forums such as the Rashtriya Bal Vaigyanik Pradarshini in New Delhi and the National Children’s Science Congress in Ahmedabad. These platforms showcase grassroots innovations by young scientists across India.

She previously received the INSPIRE MANAK State Award in 2022, which supports student-led innovation in science and technology. Her consistent performance reflects long-term dedication rather than one-time achievement.

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma publicly appreciated her efforts, highlighting the importance of nurturing scientific temper among children.

Static GK fact: INSPIRE MANAK is implemented by the Department of Science and Technology under the INSPIRE programme.

Youth-Led Innovation and Social Impact

In 2025, Aishi also received the Dinanath Pandey Silver Innovator Award at the Innovation Festival 2025, further strengthening her national profile. Her journey reflects India’s growing emphasis on sustainability-driven youth innovation.

Her work serves as an inspiration, especially for students from the Northeastern region, proving that meaningful innovation can emerge from grassroots efforts. By linking science with social impact, she represents the future of inclusive and sustainable development.

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