Telangana Students Innovate Smart Washbasin Aiding Elderly Care

In a remarkable display of ingenuity, a group of Class 10 students from Dammannapeta High School in the Gambhiraopeta Mandal of Sircilla district, Telangana, has developed a 'smart washbasin' that has gained recognition at a national level. Their innovative design was selected from approximately 100,000 entries in the 'Innovation Marathon 2025', showcasing the potential of young minds in addressing everyday challenges faced by the elderly and disabled.

The students—Eeraboya Srichaitra, Eeraboya Madhu Priya, and Malothu Supriya—created this device under the mentorship of their guide teacher, Sampath Kumar. The innovation will be exhibited at a prestigious event in Delhi from July 29 to 31, 2025, reflecting not only their technical skills but also their commitment to societal betterment, as they expressed that their primary inspiration came from their grandmother.

According to the students, the smart washbasin addresses a prevalent issue: the difficulty elderly individuals, bedridden patients, and people with disabilities face in accessing traditional washbasins, which are often fixed at a standard height. The innovation allows for remote mobility and height adjustment, ensuring that users can access it comfortably. Additionally, with touch-free taps designed to minimize the spread of germs and a built-in mop system for cleaning, this washbasin offers a hygienic solution that enhances usability.

Noteworthy features include built-in UV lights that sanitize surfaces, effectively killing harmful bacteria. This is crucial in environments where hygiene is paramount, particularly for vulnerable individuals. The students' work has not only garnered local attention but also praise from officials, including Collector Sandeep Kumar Jha, who commended their efforts and arranged for their travel to the national showcase.

This innovation underscores a growing trend among youth in India, where educational initiatives are increasingly promoting science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education. As noted by Dr. Anjali Verma, Associate Professor of Education at the University of Hyderabad, “The participation of students in such innovative projects not only fosters creativity but also encourages them to think critically about real-world problems.”

Moreover, the success of the smart washbasin could have broader implications for the elderly care industry in India. According to the 2021 Elderly Population Report by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, India is expected to have over 300 million elderly citizens by 2050, indicating a pressing need for innovations that support this demographic.

As the students prepare for their journey to Delhi, they represent a bright future for technological innovation in India, demonstrating that inspiration coupled with creativity can lead to effective solutions for pressing societal challenges. Their story is a testament to the potential of youth to drive change and improve the quality of life for many.

As the event approaches, stakeholders in education, health, and technology sectors are keenly observing these young innovators, recognizing the vital role they play in shaping a more inclusive society. If successful, the smart washbasin could pave the way for further innovations tailored to assist the elderly and disabled, thereby enhancing their independence and quality of life.