M.Tenith Adithyaa, a 16-year-old student from Tamil Nadu who already has 17 inventions under his name that have bagged him many awards and two Guinness World Record attempts. “I do not want to live with problems, I want to solve them” is all he had to say on his success. His hard work and passion have helped him win over 15 awards for various inventions.
1.What do you call yourself? An Innovator, a developer or a teacher?
I think I am an innovator, a professional coin collector, a software developer, a teacher, a bird tamer and a gamer. I want to learn a lot of things at the same time and I make sure I learn something new every day. When I was in 4th standard, I started to study Computer Applications. By now I have mastered 35 Computer Applications and 6 Languages.
2. So, how is your life different from other kids?
I spend most of my time in the lab to come up with various solutions and innovations that could help society at large. Unlike a regular kid of my age group, I get busy with finishing up my homework on time so I can get one extra hour of play time. I am awake till 3 am experimenting in my lab.
3. How is your school going along with your experiments?
Hahahaha! I am an outstanding student of the class as I am always standing out. I sleep so late that I am unable to reach classes on time and as a result, I have to stand outside. But, I manage to pull off the syllabus and do good in the exam. Small setbacks don’t affect my desire to achieve bigger success anymore.
4.Tell us about your Adjustable Electricity Extension Board inventions?
When I work on various experiments I need a lot of plug points to power my devices, which would mean a lot of wires and a big mess. I used to get very irritated with this so I thought to solve the issue. I developed an adjustable electricity extension board, in which one can put any type of electric plugs wherever space is available. The device is effective up to a distance of 3 meters, and the model is ready for commercialization.
5.What about your Banana Leaf Preservation Technology?
We use many plastic plates and create a lot of waste, so I came up with an idea to make cups and plates with banana leaves. The technology preserves banana leaves for a year without use of any chemicals. It also increases their durability. Preserved leaves can resist extreme temperatures and hold more weight than the original ones. The manufacturing cost of these plates and cups is very low and they can also be used as manure if disposed of in the right way.
6.Give a brief of the awards you have received so far?
I have received global recognition including 2 world record attempts, 2 National Awards, 7 Titled Awards, 5 State Awards and many District Awards. I am also a winner of the IGNITE Awards conducted by National Innovation Foundation-India. In addition to this, I was selected for the inaugural “Innovator in Residence” program of the President office launched by the Honourable President of India, Shri Pranab Mukherjee on his birthday on December 11, 2013.
7. How do you see your future?
I am inspired by Leonardo Da Vinci’s life. After reading about him I decided that I will not be a Scientist only, but will become an inventor who makes people’s lives better. I want to become an aeronautical engineer and a space scientist like Dr. Abdul Kalam and like Stephen Hawking.
