In a heartwarming story of innovation and determination, Lalita, a 13-year-old girl from Odisha, has made the nation proud by winning the Google Science Award in California for her groundbreaking invention — a low-cost water purifier made from waste corn cobs.
What began as a simple idea to help her village access clean drinking water has now captured global attention. Lalita’s eco-friendly purifier transforms discarded corn cobs — an agricultural waste product — into an effective filtration material capable of removing impurities from contaminated water.
Her innovation is not only affordable and sustainable, but also designed to serve rural communities where access to clean water remains a daily challenge. “I wanted to find a way to make clean water available for everyone, especially those in villages like mine,” Lalita said after receiving her award.
Judges at the Google Science Fair praised her project for its simplicity, practicality, and environmental impact, calling it an inspiring example of how young minds can address real-world problems with creativity and compassion.
Back home in Odisha, Lalita has become a local hero, inspiring countless students to dream big and innovate fearlessly. Her teachers describe her as a “bright, humble, and curious learner” whose dedication to social good sets her apart.
With this recognition, Lalita joins the ranks of young global changemakers using science and innovation to create a better, cleaner world.
