Ashish Mahana, a 46-year-old from Odisha’s Sambalpur, left his well-paying corporate job to pursue his passion for innovation, developing a smart stick featuring obstacle sensors and GPS tech to aid the blind.
Leonardo da Vinci, the quintessential Renaissance man, whose diverse interests and meticulous observations led to advances in anatomy and engineering lacked a formal education in these fields. Michael Faraday, a bookbinder’s apprentice with minimal schooling, revolutionised our understanding of electromagnetism and electrochemistry through his inventive experiments. Similarly, the self-taught mathematician and astronomer Johannes Kepler formulated the laws of planetary motion, fundamentally altering our comprehension of the cosmos, and James Watt, with no formal engineering education, developed the steam engine, catalysing the Industrial Revolution and transforming industries worldwide.
These trailblazers exemplify how a passionate scientific temperament, paired with ingenuity and perseverance, can lead to remarkable innovations and profound contributions to human knowledge. Their legacy continues to inspire in the pursuit of scientific discovery.
One such example can be found in Rampella Colony of Odisha’s Sambalpur. Here, a man defied the odds to pursue his passion for science and innovation. Ashish Mahana has made ground-breaking strides in assistive technology, driven by his compassion and scientific curiosity. The 46-year-old is now affectionately known as the “Scientist” in his community.
“You don’t need to study science in order to become a scientist. It all starts with an idea, which you nurture and convert into a reality,” he said.
Mahana’s journey to becoming an innovator began at Hindalco Industries in Sambalpur, where he worked as an assistant engineer, earning a respectable salary of Rs 80,000 a month. However, his true calling lay beyond the confines of his corporate job. Compelled by a deep-seated desire to contribute to society, particularly to aid the disabled, Mahana left his well-paying job to focus on his passion: developing assistive devices for the visually impaired.
His most notable invention is a smart stick designed to help the blind navigate their surroundings with greater independence. The smart stick is equipped with obstacle sensors and GPS technology, making it a versatile tool for both outdoor and indoor use.
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“The outdoor version alerts users to obstacles within a five-foot range, assisting them in tasks such as climbing stairs, crossing streets and moving through various terrains. The GPS functionality allows family members to track the user’s real-time location, providing an additional layer of security,” he said.
For indoor use, Mahana has created a variant of the stick with sensors capable of detecting fire, moisture, electricity, UV rays and magnetic fields.
“This innovation helps visually impaired people avoid hazards, such as electric shocks, and navigate their homes safely. The device also identifies the presence of sunlight and metal, further enhancing the user’s ability to manage daily tasks independently,” he said.
Mahana’s dedication to his work is deeply rooted in his compassion for the disabled. “My heart always aches to see blind people finding it difficult to cross the road and facing problems in their day-to-day life,” he said.
His commitment to improving their lives is reflected in the countless hours he spends in his workshop, bringing his inventions to life.
His former colleagues at Hindalco remember him as a prolific inventor who consistently impressed with his solutions. However, the job limited his potential to pursue broader humanitarian goals. “This realisation prompted Mahana to resign and devote himself fully to his lifelong dream of making a tangible difference in the lives of the disabled,” a former colleague said.
Mahana’s inventive spirit extends beyond assistive technology for the blind. He developed a 150-foot pipe fitted with Bluetooth and a camera in a single night after learning about a local girl who had fallen into a bore well. This device can assist in rescue operations, providing a swift and effective response in such emergencies.
Mahana’s work has not gone unnoticed. Sambalpur district social security officer Rabindra Satpathy said his smart stick will extensively benefit the blind. The Social Security and Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (SSEPD) office has approved a pilot project to distribute these smart sticks to 10 students in a nearby school. If successful, the project could see mass production and implementation across the state.
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Mahana is also an active educator, sharing his knowledge and passion for science with aspiring inventors. His expertise has earned him invitations as a guest speaker and resource person at various institutions. He is also part of an expert research team at NIT-Rourkela, furthering his contributions to scientific advancements.
He remains humble and focused on his ultimate goal: to join the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). “With the kind of work I’m doing, I feel so content and one day I do wish to be a part of DRDO. I don’t know when I’ll get that break, but I won’t stop working hard for it,” he said.
In an era where many look forward to retirement, Mahana’s efforts for the smart stick bring hope to the blind and other vulnerable groups, exemplifying the true spirit of scientific inquiry and humanitarianism.
Also Read: Rural India still insensitive to persons with disabilities
The lead image on top shows Ashish Mahana with the smart stick designed by him to help the blind navigate their surroundings with greater independence. (Photo by Devashish Biswal)
Devashish Biswal is a graduate of English journalism at the Indian Institute of Mass Communication, Dhenkanal. He has an eye for stories with the potential to grab people’s attention.
