Rajgarh: The son of a tea seller from Madhya Pradesh has been selected to represent India at the prestigious Japan Science Exchange Programme, becoming the first student from Rajgarh district to earn the distinction.
Sonu Bhat, a student of Government Model Higher Secondary School in Biaora, will participate in the programme from June 29 to July 4, representing both Madhya Pradesh and India.
Sonu first came into the spotlight in Class 8 after developing an experimental material called “Plastomenium” by combining plastic and aluminium. The project, aimed at promoting sustainable scientific innovation, won recognition at the district-level INSPIRE MANAK Awards before progressing to the state and national levels.
Following a multi-stage evaluation, the Department of Science and Technology shortlisted the innovation for the international programme. Sonu said the material could have future applications in the aerospace sector, including aircraft and spacecraft manufacturing, although further research and validation are needed.
The achievement marks the culmination of four years of research and perseverance despite the family’s modest means.
His father, Prem Singh Bhat, who runs a tea stall in Biaora, described the selection as the proudest moment of his life. Teachers said Sonu’s success would inspire students from government schools to pursue scientific research and innovation.
Sonu left for Delhi on Thursday before departing for Japan. District officials, including the collector, congratulated him on the achievement.
