In an era where environmental degradation and pollution challenge our very existence, one scientist stands tall as a beacon of hope and innovation.
Dr Samrat Ghosh, Assistant Professor at the Department of Chemical Sciences at the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER) Mohali, embodies the perfect fusion of scientific brilliance, social consciousness, and unwavering commitment to sustainable development.
Table of Contents
A Journey Rooted in Compassion
Dr Ghosh’s story is as inspiring as his innovations. In 2007, when his mother was diagnosed with ovarian cancer, he made a life-altering decision that would shape India’s future.
He left a lucrative position developing innovative batteries at Angstrom Power Inc. in Vancouver, Canada, and returned to India. This sacrifice wasn’t just about family; it was about bringing world-class expertise home to serve the nation.
Armed with a BSc from ARSD College, University of Delhi, an MSc from IIT Bombay, a PhD from IISc Bangalore under the guidance of Prof. K.C. Patil, and postdoctoral fellowships in Germany, France, and the United States, Dr Ghosh joined IISER Mohali in 2007.
Since then, he has transformed his laboratory into an innovation hub that addresses some of India’s most pressing environmental and social challenges.
The Philosophy of Innovation
What sets Dr Ghosh apart is his unique approach to innovation. For every creation, he asks himself two fundamental questions: “Can it be constructed from cheap material or items discarded as waste?” and “Will it impact societal behaviour?”
This dual commitment to sustainability and social impact has resulted in a remarkable portfolio of inventions that benefit common people while protecting the environment.
His work represents the true spirit of ‘jugaad’, ingenious solutions using limited resources, elevated to scientific excellence.
Revolutionary Innovations That Matter
1. Eco-Friendly, Smoke-Free Firecrackers and “NeelGagan” Super-Sonic Innovation
When the Supreme Court banned firecrackers in Delhi-NCR due to pollution concerns in 2017, and Union Environment Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan called upon scientists to develop green alternatives, Dr Ghosh answered the call with characteristic brilliance.
He developed the ‘IISER-M pollution-free firecracker’ using recycled plastic bottles and a unique chemical formulation. These revolutionary firecrackers burst with light and sound but produce absolutely no smoke.
The combustible substance has a remarkable safety feature, a shelf life of just 10-12 days, after which it undergoes self-decomposition, minimising fire hazards.
What makes this innovation truly special is that these firecrackers are reusable, safe for children, and work in any weather condition. Dr Ghosh’s vision wasn’t just about reducing pollution; it was about preserving the joy and cultural significance of festivals while protecting the environment.
NeelGagan – Fighting Monkey Menace: Building on this technology, Dr Ghosh developed “NeelGagan”, smoke-free, non-polluting, super-green, and “super-sonic” firecrackers specifically designed to help farmers safeguard their fields from monkeys and other animals.
This innovation won First Prize at the National Science Centre Delhi (NSCD) Innovation Festival, organised by the Ministry of Culture, Government of India.
When the G20 Summit was being organised in Delhi in 2023, and authorities were struggling with the monkey menace using langur cutouts, Dr Ghosh eagerly offered his NeelGagan innovation to help.
He proposed using his frugal grassroots eco-friendly innovation designed from waste disposable bottles to keep monkeys away during the high-level event, while simultaneously keeping Delhi clean from waste plastic bottles and sending a positive message to the world.
His selfless approach shines through; he seeks no profit from these innovations and has expressed his desire to first provide them to farmers for free, helping them protect their crops while contributing to environmental sustainability.
2. Revolutionary Dustbins Under Swachh Bharat Abhiyan
Understanding that waste management begins with proper collection, Dr Ghosh designed innovative prototype dustbins that address multiple problems plaguing conventional trash cans. Built from discarded library shelves and construction-site glass shards, these bins cost merely Rs. 500 to construct.
The design features a brilliant ‘sand-clock’ mechanism with a cinched middle that regulates trash flow. A receptacle at the bottom collects waste while the entire structure is enclosed to prevent stray animals from rummaging through garbage.
The bins are weather-resistant, can be stabilised by thrusting legs into the ground, and feature wheels for easy mobility. They can even be dismantled and packed flat like LCD television screens.
Most importantly, the design makes cleaning easier and more hygienic for sanitation workers, a testament to Dr Ghosh’s empathy for those who keep our cities clean.
4. ‘Shanti’ Anti-Riot System – A Tool for Peace
Witnessing the violence during riots and the harm caused to both protestors and security personnel, Dr Ghosh developed the ‘Shanti’ gun, a non-fire anti-riot system in 2019. The acronym stands for Smoke-free, Harmless, Aromatic, Non-firearm, Thwarting, and Identification.
This innovative system looks like a toy but is extremely effective. It fires rubber pellets containing two kinds of indelible ink that mark violent protestors, making them identifiable.
The ink is specially formulated to be unremovable by washing and can be detected by trained police dogs, who can sniff the ink and search for attackers.
Remarkably, the system uses two chemicals that release a soothing fragrance for law enforcement personnel while producing an unpleasant smell for attackers. This dual-sensory approach adds another layer of crowd control effectiveness.
The Shanti gun was developed in response to increasing incidents of stone-pelting, mob lynching, and violence, where both army personnel and the general public were attacked. Dr Ghosh wanted to create a system that would control riots without causing grave injuries like traditional stones and pellets do.
The system enables law enforcement to identify and apprehend troublemakers who create violence with a mission to disrupt peace in the country, while keeping the situation under control without permanent harm.
The Shanti gun represents Dr Ghosh’s commitment to peace and his innovative approach to controlling violence without causing permanent injury.
4. Inclusive Laboratory Equipment
Dr Ghosh’s compassion extends to differently-abled individuals. He has designed and patented pipette fillers and burette fillers specifically for wheelchair-bound scholars, ensuring that physical disabilities don’t hinder scientific pursuits. These innovations democratize access to scientific education and research, embodying true inclusivity.
5. Fire-Fighting Innovation: Twin Buster Fire Extinguisher
Dr Ghosh’s innovative approach to fire safety emerged from a deeply personal experience. When his father’s home caught fire years ago, he witnessed the challenges of using conventional fire extinguishers.
This incident inspired him to develop the “Twin Buster” fire extinguisher, a simple, light, and easy-to-use device that doesn’t require monitoring the pressure gauge of traditional extinguishers.
The Twin Buster features two apparatus connected by a bullet, with one containing water as the extinguishing agent. When activated, it can douse any fire at an early stage before it becomes an inferno.
The device uses no risk of explosion even if it works in normal pressure conditions, unlike traditional extinguishers that need regular pressure checks.
Drawing inspiration from the Indian Navy’s K-I-S-S principle (Keep It Simple Stupid), Dr Ghosh created this homely tool that is effective, easy-to-use, and addresses critical gaps in fire security systems.
He emphasises that people should shield their face with a damp cloth, handkerchief, or towel during fires, a simple yet potentially life-saving piece of advice often overlooked in conventional fire safety training.
6. Revolutionary Laboratory Equipment for Inclusive Education
Dr Ghosh’s commitment to accessibility in science education has resulted in groundbreaking laboratory equipment innovations:
Semi-Automatic Pipette Filler: In chemical laboratories, students typically use their mouth to fill pipettes with chemicals, a risky practice with toxic/corrosive substances that can accidentally enter the mouth.
Dr Ghosh developed a semi-automatic pipette filler that is economical, compact, lightweight, safe to use, and easy to maintain. Made from easily available components, this device can now be used by able-bodied and wheelchair-bound students in schools and colleges, including those in educational/research establishments in remote areas. The innovation received an Indian Patent (3137/DEL/2013) and an International Patent Filing (PCT/IB2014/067220).
Stop-Cock Free Novel Glass Burette and Universal Semi-Automatic Burette Filler: Conventional 50 mL burettes have numerous disadvantages; they’re difficult to fill by short-heighted and wheelchair-bound users, pose risks of liquid splashing, have parallax and improper reading issues, have damage-prone stopcocks, have difficulty while titrating, and are expensive.
Dr Ghosh developed a Stop-Cock Free Novel Glass Burette and Semi-Automatic Burette Filler that addresses all these issues. With ergonomic features and easy assembly/disassembly, this innovative system enables both wheelchair-bound users and persons of shorter heights to perform titration-type experiments involving burettes and pipettes with ease, safety, accuracy, and precision, just likethe majority of able-bodied users.
Compact, Palm-size, Light Weight, Energy Efficient Magnetic Stirrer: Recognising that commercial AC-powered magnetic stirrers are bulky and expensive, Dr Ghosh designed a portable, palm-size, lightweight, affordable, energy-efficient magnetic stirrer with AC/DC power supply.
Made from easily available components in IISER Mohali, this device will enable mass production of this nifty gadget by small-scale local industries in India, which can be supplied to schools and colleges in India and other countries where the laboratory budget is limited.
Most chemistry laboratories in schools and colleges in India lack the provision or luxury of AC power supply on work benches; this battery-powered device overcomes that shortcoming to a significant extent.
Needle-Free Buttoning Technique: Understanding the daily challenges of students and fashion-conscious individuals, Dr Ghosh developed a simple needle-free buttoning technique that enables students to quickly replace missing or broken buttons from their safety lab coats.
Advantages include no requirement for new stitching equipment or special buttons, easy replacement of broken buttons anywhere, buttons can be removed during laundry/dry cleaning/ironing, and fashion-conscious users can frequently change the colour/shade of buttons to match their outfits.
7. Safety Lamp and Other Practical Solutions
His extensive portfolio includes a safety lamp that allows for easy refills, mosquito busters, and numerous other inventions that make daily life safer and more convenient. Each innovation addresses a real-world problem with practical, affordable solutions.
8. Advanced Research in Biodiesel and Green Chemistry
Beyond these visible innovations, Dr Ghosh’s research group works on closed-approach faster biodiesel synthesis using novel, efficient chemical methodologies, microemulsions, and their applications. His work in materials chemistry contributes to sustainable energy solutions and green chemistry practices.
9. ‘Operation Coro-Nation’ – COVID-19 Response
When the COVID-19 pandemic struck in 2020, Dr Ghosh didn’t hesitate to contribute. He launched ‘Operation Coro-Nation’ with whatever resources he had at his disposal, even when only a few were taking coronavirus seriously in the early stages.
As a one-man army against COVID-19, he developed an affordable and portable ventilation system that helps in reducing the viral load of airborne Coronavirus and other microorganisms in closed spaces. This innovation demonstrated his quick response to emerging societal challenges and his commitment to public health and safety.
10. Chemical Safety Education and Advocacy
Dr Ghosh is deeply committed to educating people about chemical safety. He has been vocal about the dangers of mixing household chemicals, particularly toilet cleaners, which can cause severe lung damage and even death.
In 2019, he conducted a Safety Workshop at the Department of Chemical Sciences, where he gave a lecture titled “A guide to safety measures, practices and precautions for a teaching lab,” making it mandatory for students, PhD scholars, research associates, and post-doctoral fellows.
His efforts in chemical safety education have potentially saved countless lives by raising awareness about the hazards of improper chemical handling in both laboratory and household settings.
Recognition and Awards
Dr Ghosh’s exceptional work has earned him numerous accolades:
- First Prize at the National Science Centre Delhi (NSCD) Innovation Festival 2023, awarded by the Ministry of Culture, Government of India, for his “NeelGagan” super-sonic firecrackers
- Third Prize for the ‘AgniNirvaan’ Fire Fighting Innovation at Anusandhan 2.0 International Science Fair at IIT Mandi (June 18-19, 2024)
- His innovations have been showcased at the Festival of Innovation at Rashtrapati Bhavan
- Indian Patent (3137/DEL/2013) for Semi-Automatic Pipette Filler
- International Patent Filing (PCT/IB2014/067220) for laboratory equipment innovations
- Recognition from various national and international platforms for his smoke-free firecrackers and waste management solutions
- Since 2019: Associate Member, India International Centre (IIC), Max Muller Marg, New Delhi
Impact on Education and Teaching Philosophy
As the head of the Innovators Lab Group at IISER Mohali, Dr Ghosh teaches courses including Chemistry of Materials, Selected Analytical Techniques, and Thermodynamics. He serves as a lab instructor for qualitative and quantitative labs, constantly innovating teaching methods to make chemistry exciting and accessible.
His teaching philosophy is revolutionary: “Since ours is also an educational institution, I am making endeavours to design the Chemistry education in such a way that it leads to imaginative thinking and innovation both in the class and laboratory.”
He believes his efforts to make Chemistry more fascinating at the undergraduate level, both in the class and teaching, will prompt more students to opt for Chemistry at higher levels and seriously consider pursuing their research career in Chemistry, ultimately making research more productive.
His ability to make chemical reactions “beautiful and thrilling” inspires students to pursue science with passion. His approach to education goes beyond textbooks; he shows students that science can directly contribute to society, that innovation needn’t be expensive, and that environmental consciousness and practical utility can coexist beautifully.
The Legacy of Sustainable Innovation
Dr Samrat Ghosh represents the best of Indian scientific talent, brilliant yet humble, innovative yet practical, and ambitious yet socially conscious. His work proves that world-class innovation doesn’t require massive budgets or sophisticated equipment.
What it requires is a keen observation of societal problems, deep scientific knowledge, and most importantly, a genuine desire to serve humanity.
In an age where consumerism and waste threaten our planet, Dr Ghosh shows us how to turn trash into treasure, how to celebrate traditions without harming the environment, and how to make science accessible to all.
His innovations in waste management contribute directly to the Swachh Bharat Mission, while his eco-friendly firecrackers preserve cultural joy without environmental cost.
An Inspiration for Generations
For present and future generations, Dr Samrat Ghosh exemplifies several crucial lessons:
- Sacrifice for Greater Good: His decision to return to India, leaving behind a lucrative career, shows that personal success isn’t the only measure of achievement.
- Innovation from Constraints: His ability to create Rs. 500 dustbins from waste materials proves that innovation thrives not despite constraints, but because of them.
- Social Consciousness: Every invention addresses a real problem faced by ordinary people, from sanitation workers to farmers, from differently-abled students to festival-celebrating families.
- Environmental Responsibility: His unwavering commitment to using recycled materials and creating pollution-free alternatives shows how science can heal rather than harm our planet.
- Inclusive Progress: By creating equipment for differently-abled scholars and prioritising affordability, he ensures that progress benefits everyone, not just the privileged few.
- Cultural Sensitivity: Rather than asking people to abandon traditions like bursting firecrackers, he created sustainable alternatives, showing that progress needn’t mean abandoning cultural identity.
Looking Ahead
Dr Ghosh continues to push boundaries, constantly developing innovations that address emerging challenges. His recent work includes:
- The ‘AgniNirvaan’ fire-fighting innovation that won third prize at IIT Mandi’s international science fair
- Continued development of oxygen-enrichment techniques for better indoor air quality
- Research on safer, more accessible laboratory equipment
- New applications of waste materials in sustainable innovations
- Advanced work on biodiesel synthesis and microemulsion applications
His journey reminds us that one person, armed with knowledge, compassion, and determination, can indeed make a difference. In laboratories across India, young students look up to Dr Ghosh not just as a scientist but as a role model who shows them that science can be a vehicle for social transformation.
Dr Ghosh’s work has been featured in prestigious forums, and his innovations have been demonstrated at the highest levels of government, including at Rashtrapati Bhavan. His willingness to help during national events like the G20 Summit and public health crises like COVID-19 shows his unwavering commitment to national service.
Conclusion
Dr Samrat Ghosh isn’t just a chemistry professor; he’s a social innovator, an environmental warrior, and above all, a compassionate human being who uses science as a tool to serve humanity.
His work in waste management, pollution control, inclusive education, and sustainable development has touched countless lives and will continue to inspire future generations.
As we stand at the crossroads of environmental crisis and technological advancement, we need more scientists like Dr Samrat Ghosh, individuals who understand that true innovation serves society, respects the environment, and makes the world a better place for everyone.
We wholeheartedly celebrate Dr Samrat Ghosh’s remarkable contributions and wish him continued success in all his future endeavours. May his innovations continue to inspire, transform, and heal our world. India is proud of you, Dr Ghosh!
“For everything I create, I always try to answer two questions: can it be constructed from cheap material or items discarded as waste, and will it impact societal behaviour. I want my products to do both.” — Dr Samrat Ghosh
“Some scientists chase publications. Some chase profit.
Dr. Samrat Ghosh chases impact.”
Trash course from a Chemistry professor in Mohali
For well-ventilated homes, a ‘home hack’ with laundry chemicals to enrich surrounding with oxygen