Groundbreaking news is coming that could potentially save thousands of lives. Students of Sodepur Deshbandhu Bidyapith (Boys) in Madhyamgram, Kolkata, have developed a low-cost lightning conductor that’s not only affordable but also highly efficient. The project, now in its advanced stages, has led the school to apply for a patent design. But we need to know each and every detail of this news.
The Beginning of a Life-Saving Idea
The project began nearly eight years ago as a school-level science experiment at Sodepur Deshbandhu Bidyapith (Boys) in Madhyamgram, Kolkata.
Goal: To create a low-cost lightning conductor that could help protect people in rural and storm-prone areas, especially farmers and fishermen.
Students, under the guidance of physics teacher Pashupati Mandal, started by using household and garage waste materials. The prototype included:
- A thin aluminium sheet as the base,
- A frame resembling a bicycle wheel,
- Copper wires are inserted as spokes through holes in the rim,
- A central hub with threaded holes connecting the spokes to wires that go underground.
This rough version cost only ₹350 and served as the foundation for later improvements. The team later refined the design after testing it in central research laboratories, eventually arriving at a more durable version costing around ₹1,000.
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How This Innovation Cuts Expenses
This innovative lightning conductor project significantly reduces costs by using simple, easily available materials like aluminum sheets and copper wires, many sourced from household or garage waste. While standard lightning conductors available in the market cost around ₹2,100 and have limited discharge points, the students’ version offers 10 times more effectiveness with 450–500 pointed tips, at just ₹1,000. Its low production cost makes it affordable for farmers and rural communities, who often cannot afford commercial systems. This not only cuts expenses but also provides a practical, scalable solution for lightning protection in vulnerable areas.
Turning Ideas into Intellectual Property
The patent for the low-cost lightning conductor developed by students of Sodepur Deshbandhu Bidyapith (Boys) was officially filed on July 27, 2025. This marks a major step in protecting the students’ innovation and recognizing their contribution to affordable, life-saving technology.
Recognition and Institutional Support
The students’ innovation has not only gained local attention but also earned recognition at the national level. Their low-cost lightning conductor was awarded at the National Children’s Science Congress in 2020, validating its potential to serve real-world needs. Further strengthening the project’s credibility, the device underwent testing at the Central Power Research Institute, ensuring its technical soundness and safety. The initiative has also received on-ground support from the West Bengal Radio Club, which has helped install the device in over 40 locations across North Bengal, actively contributing to its real-world application and reach.
Conclusion:
This is a significant moment for the Indian patent landscape, especially as the country continues to promote innovation. It stands as a powerful example of Indian ingenuity and the immense potential of young minds to make a global impact.
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