Barabanki’s Young Scientist Pooja Pal to Receive Prime Minister’s Children’s Award; Journey from Hut to Global Recognition

Barabanki, UP: Pooja Pal, a young scientist from the small village of Agehara in Barabanki, Uttar Pradesh, is set to be honored with the prestigious Prime Minister’s Children’s Award for her remarkable contributions to science and innovation. The eighth-grade student has developed a dust-free thresher model aimed at protecting farmers’ health during crop harvesting. The award ceremony will be held on 26 December.

District Magistrate Shashank Tripathi confirmed that, following approval from the central government, Pooja Pal from Agehara village in Sirauli Gauspur Tehsil will receive this honor. Her achievement has brought pride not only to Barabanki but to the entire state.

Innovation for Farmers’ Health
Pooja first gained attention when she designed the dust-free thresher to reduce airborne dust during harvesting, helping farmers avoid respiratory illnesses. Her innovative model has been recognized at state and national levels and later earned international acclaim.

Journey of Early Excellence
Pooja presented her model at the National Children’s Science Congress while studying in the seventh grade. The government and the Department of Science and Technology deemed her innovation both useful and impactful. Subsequently, under the INSPIRE Award Scheme, she represented India in Japan, showcasing her talent on the global stage.

Earlier Recognition and Family Background
Prior to this, the state government had recognized Pooja as a child scientist, awarding her ₹1 lakh. Her father, Putilal, works as a laborer, and her mother, Sunila Devi, is a cook at a government school. Despite limited resources, Pooja has pursued her dreams with determination. The family, previously living in a hut, has now been allotted a permanent house under the Prime Minister’s Housing Scheme. She lives with her five siblings and has become a source of inspiration for the entire village.

Inspiring the Daughters of the State
The administration has also named Pooja a role model under the ‘Mission Shakti’ initiative. Pooja believes that with hard work, dedication, and the right mindset, no goal is impossible. Her remarkable journey continues to inspire young girls across Uttar Pradesh.