There is an India in every young Indian-origin heart pumping in America. Be it technology or tabla, the cords are connected to India. Working on critical environment challenges like water, energy and climate change risks, and modern-day disciplines like robotics and Artificial Intelligence (AI), young Indian American minds are innovating and experimenting with a larger objective to help improve millions of lives back in homeland India. Sudhish Swain is one such high school level innovator and entrepreneur working to improve the levels of water contamination and water scarcity using ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Sudhish, who is a Blair High School Senior and a Maryland resident, is a second generation Indian American with roots in Odisha and Karnataka, and hopes that his consistent experiments will work towards ensuring citizens’ fundamental right to access clean and safe water. He recently attended the International Science and Engineering Fair Dallas. The Daily Guardian spoke to Sudhish after he returned back from the International Science Fair to know about his works and how he plans to take his innovation to India.
Excerpts
Q. Water is key to human survival and for future generations. What have you learned and innovated to meet the unsafe water challenge during your school years?
A. During my school years, my understanding of the water challenge has deepened significantly, particularly regarding the global issue of water scarcity. I have come to realize that approximately 1 in 10 people worldwide lack access to safe drinking water, and the consequences of this crisis are dire, with over 3.4 million people losing their lives annually due to water-related diseases. This knowledge has motivated me to take action and contribute to finding innovative solutions. I was compelled to explore ways to purify water using sustainable methods, focusing on the utilization of ultraviolet (UV) radiation.
Drawing on my scientific curiosity and passion for innovation, I embarked on a journey to design, create, patent, and present several inventions centered around sustainable water purification. One of my notable inventions involved harnessing the power of ultraviolet radiation generated by a household microwave oven to eliminate contaminants from water. This approach eliminates the need for bulky setups typically associated with traditional water purification methods, making it more accessible and cost-effective. I also developed another invention that utilizes UV-A LEDs. By leveraging the heat generated by these LEDs, I designed a system that heats the water to an optimal temperature for UV-A purification thanks to the synergistic effect of UV and heat. This innovative approach ensures that the water is purified from all contaminants, providing a safe and reliable solution without the need for toxic mercury lamps which generate harmful UV-C radiation.
Q. How do you think India, which faces a serious water crisis, including of safe drinking water, can benefit from your experiment?
A.I aim to contribute to the ongoing efforts in combating water scarcity. I firmly believe that access to clean and safe water is a fundamental right, and I am dedicated to creating innovative solutions that can positively impact the lives of millions worldwide, including in India. My inventions using ultraviolet radiation for water purification could potentially benefit India in addressing its water crisis, including the issue of safe drinking water.
One of the inventions I mentioned earlier utilizes ultraviolet radiation generated by a household microwave oven. This method can be cost-effective and easily accessible, making it suitable for households in India. Another invention I mentioned involves using UV-A LEDs to purify water, utilizing the heat generated by the LEDs to warm the water to an appropriate temperature for purification. This method could be implemented in community settings, such as schools, hospitals, or water distribution centers. By using UV-A LEDs, which are energy-efficient and have a longer lifespan, the operating costs can be minimized, making it a sustainable solution for water purification. Additionally, these solutions can help alleviate the burden on traditional water purification infrastructure and reduce the strain on scarce resources.
I have also established a working relationship with the director of the Central Water Commission of India who has endorsed this product. To effectively benefit India, it would be essential to collaborate with local organizations, government bodies, and communities to sensitize about these innovative water purification methods, and emphasizing the importance of clean and safe water for health.
Q.How your school curriculum allowed you to explore the works you did in the Robotics sector?
A.I took my first steps into the world of robotics in the third grade and began participating in robotics competitions such as First Lego League. As I progressed, my involvement expanded to encompass the First Tech Challenge, where I honed my skills as the FLL outreach lead and software lead for my team, Wizards.exe, which has been highly successful, winning the top awards at nearly every competition we competed in and advancing to the World Championships every year. Fortunately, my school recognized my enthusiasm and provided the perfect platform to nurture my robotics journey. The curriculum at my school played a pivotal role in supporting and enhancing my robotics endeavors. In addition to the comprehensive curriculum, my school boasted a highly successful First Robotics Challenge (FRC) team. I eagerly joined this team and dedicated countless hours to designing, building, and programming robots for competitions. Our team’s hard work paid off when we advanced to the world championships this year.
Q. Indian American students do a lot to keep connected to their roots in the homeland. Do you visit India often? Tell us about your roots.
A. Visiting India holds immense significance for me as it allows me to maintain a strong connection with my roots and heritage. While I don’t have the opportunity to visit India as frequently as I would like due to various commitments, I make it a point to visit whenever possible, ensuring that I stay connected with my family, friends, and the cultural fabric of my homeland. My roots in India trace back to both Mysore and Bhubaneshwar, where my mother’s side and my father’s side of the family are from, respectively. These places hold a deep cultural and historical significance and serve as a constant reminder of my heritage. Through interactions with my extended family and engaging in cultural traditions during my visits, I have gained a deeper understanding of my family’s values, traditions, and customs.
During my time in India, I embrace every opportunity to immerse myself in the diverse cultural experiences the country has to offer. Exploring historical landmarks, participating in religious ceremonies, and savoring traditional Indian cuisine are some of the enriching experiences I cherish during my visits. These experiences not only connect me with my heritage but also allow me to appreciate the incredible diversity and vibrancy of India.
Q.How engaged are you in the Indian diaspora activities in the US?
A.Despite being away from my home country, I have always remained deeply connected to my Indian heritage and actively engaged in the Indian diaspora activities in the US. One of the significant ways I express and celebrate my culture is through art, music, and language. Music holds a special place in my heart, and I have dedicated a significant amount of time and effort to learning and playing the tabla. Engaging in Indian classical music not only allows me to express my cultural roots but also serves as a means of connecting with other members of the Indian diaspora who share a passion for music.
Additionally, I recently completed a three-year course called “Sanskrit as a Foreign Language” conducted by Samskrita Bharati. This course provided me with a comprehensive understanding of Sanskrit, an ancient Indian language that holds immense cultural and historical significance. By studying Sanskrit, I have not only delved into the linguistic aspects but also gained a profound understanding of the philosophical and spiritual dimensions of Indian culture, allowing me a deeper connection with my cultural heritage.