WITH A technology for water purification through multiple solutions such as solar water purifier, rainwater harvesting and all-terrain water purifier, Rajendra Prasad Moturu of Vishakapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, was felicitated at the seventh National Conference on Social Innovation (NCSI) organised by Pune International Centre (PIC) in association with Tata Institute for Social Sciences (TISS) and National Innovation Foundation (NIF), held at YASHADA, Baner, on Sunday. Moturu, who runs a start-up, Clevinno, received the prize in the tribal category from Pradeep Bhargava, president, and Dr Vijay Kelkar, vice-president, of Mahratta Chamber of Commerce, Industries and Agriculture (MCCIA), Pune, and Prashant Girbane, honorary director, PIC. The awards are presented to provide a platform for innovators from across the country, involved in devising unique, off-beat solutions to everyday social and developmental problems. The conference recognised the work of 19 such innovators from across India among more than 100 entries, who have been catering to problems in fields, including agriculture, waste management, sanitation, health, disability and education. Among other awardees was included Parthapratim Dasmahapatra of Ezerx Health Tech Pvt Ltd from West Bengal in the rural category. Dasmahapatra has invented a non-invasive, non-contact and portable device for haemoglobin estimation, bilirubin measurement and oxygen saturation level in humans. The device can measure haemoglobin without drawing blood and can be used by semi-skilled people as well.
