City students come up with device to help elderly people

Amritsar, August 19

Students of DAV Public School here have come up with a device, named Aastha, to help elderly people communicate with their loved ones when in distress.

The team, comprising Rachit Aggarwal (Std XI), Vidisha Singh (Std XI) and Rishabh Aggarwal, mentored by Dr Resham Sharma (ATAL in-charge) had been declared among the top 50 innovators in ATAL Innovation Marathon-2019 for their smart healthcare device for the old and physically challenged.

They have been awarded a cash prize of Rs 5,000 and mentorship. The device can be attached to walking sticks of a needy person. The device will automatically send messages of urgency to their loved ones once the button is clicked. The kids were motivated by the elderly at their places.

Vidisha Singh said, “I got inspiration from my grandmother. We wanted to do something for the elderly. They need assurance that they are not alone. When an emergency occurs, they can communicate as soon as possible.”

Rachit Aggarwal, who has designed it along with his brother Rishabh Aggarwal and Vidisha, added, “The response has been good as people wanted to purchase it. My father and grandfather inspired me.” — TNS