Andaman and Nicobar Islands: Since childhood, Dipankar Das had a deep passion for innovation and creation. Every holiday, he would find himself unscrewing the gadgets that he found intriguing to understand how they worked. He nurtured a dream of establishing his own school and accomplished it in September 2023 with the inauguration of the Andaman First Brother Innovative School. Till today, Dipankar has developed approximately 50 farming machinery that are cost-effective and time efficient. 

Who is Dipankar Das?

Dipankar Das is a resident of Diglipur North area of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Here, a majority of the population earn their livelihood through farming and labour work. Dipankar’s parents are also engaged in labour work. Despite growing up in a humble family, he developed an interest in innovation from an early age. Initially, he began with finding solutions to agricultural tasks. 

First award for innovation

Dipankar Das completed his schooling from Government Senior Secondary School in Diglipur. In 2015, he received his first innovation award for creating a Solar Powered Threshing Machine. This invention garnered national and international recognition, including patents for his remarkable achievement. 

Higher Education

Dipankar’s parents’ income was insufficient to sustain his higher education expenses. After completing his schooling, he enrolled at an ITI. Fortunately, later, he was able to secure a degree in mechanical engineering from a reputed college in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, in 2022. Post his graduation, he worked at a company and gained significant experience. One day, he felt a sense of responsibility towards the development of his hometown. Inspired by this thought, he returned to the Andaman and Nicobar Islands in 2023. 

Finding work

After returning to the islands, Dipankar Das approached the government offices with hopes of securing a teaching position at a school. He was willing to work on a low salary as his only dream was to impart knowledge to all the children. However, he did not receive any help from the officials and was left disappointed.

Starting a school

Dipankar Das did not lose hopes and decided to start a school of his own. In September 2023, he started an innovative school from his home. Presently, there are 20 students in his school from underprivileged backgrounds. Classes are held every Sunday or on holidays, and two additional classes are offered on handicrafts and innovation. Moreover, the students are also taught about the traditional medicines of Andaman Islands. Occasionally, motivational speakers are invited to take online sessions. 

Andaman First Brother Innovative School

At Andaman First Brother Innovative School, students learn to make handmade items using materials like coconut shell and bamboo. They are also taught about the marketing methods of such products. They also learn how to recycle household items into new products. Remarkably, the school offers training to students up to class 12, college dropouts, and women. Handmade items made by students are sold at a small shop in the nearby market. Dipankar has made 50 innovations including a seed sowing machine, water pot carrier, air filter mask, and solar pulse thresher. 

Awards and honours

Dipankar Das has received various prestigious awards. In 2015, he won the Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Ignite Award. He received a letter of appreciation from the former Chief Minister of Gujarat Anandiben Patel. In 2018, Dipankar represented India in the ASEAN-India Grassroots Innovation competition held in Indonesia and secured the second rank among Asian participants. In 2021, Lieutenant Governor of Andaman and Nicobar, DK Joshi presented him with a citation in recognition of his contributions.