From No Lights at Home to Brightening India’s Name in Japan: Barabanki Girl Pooja’s Inspiring Yet Heartbreaking Journey

In a world where talent knows no boundaries, the story of Pooja from Barabanki, Uttar Pradesh, stands out as both an inspiration and a question mark on our society’s priorities. While Pooja’s brilliance has taken her all the way to Japan for international recognition, her family still lights lamps at night because there’s no electricity in their modest straw-and-thatch house.

A Tale of Two Worlds

On one hand, Pooja’s innovation brought glory to India at an international science fair in Japan. On the other hand, her family struggles at home, still waiting for basic amenities like electricity and a toilet. Despite being celebrated as a beacon of hope for the nation, her own home remains shrouded in darkness and hardship.

Pooja lives with her five siblings, her father Puttilal—a daily wage laborer, and her mother Sunila Devi, who works as a cook in a government school. Their home is simple, with a fragile roof made of grass and hay. Despite these challenges, Pooja’s determination and the glow of a humble oil lamp helped her script a success story that inspires countless students across India.

Innovation Born of Necessity

Pooja’s journey from her village to Japan began in eighth grade, sparked by a simple observation. She noticed students struggling with dust from a thresher machine near her school, which made it difficult to breathe and study. Determined to make a difference, she created a dust-free thresher model with tin and a fan, collecting dust in a bag to keep the surroundings clean. The innovation, built for just about ₹3000, was selected at district, divisional, and then state levels before winning top honors at the National Science Fair organized by the Ministry of Science and Technology in 2024.

A Life of Hardships

Despite all her achievements, Pooja’s family faces hard realities every day. The administration approved electricity and a toilet, but poverty built another wall in their lives—they simply couldn’t afford the cable to connect the meter to their home. So the electric meter lies unused, and the family continues to depend on lamps for light. Their roof leaks during rain, and the lack of a proper toilet forces them to use makeshift arrangements or go outdoors.

Pooja also helps her mother with housework, takes care of cattle, and still finds time for her studies—never letting hardships dim her resolve.

International Recognition, Local Neglect

Pooja’s model received tremendous appreciation abroad. She not only impressed people in Japan with her invention but also proved that talent can grow in the harshest conditions—if given a chance.

But her story raises uncomfortable questions: Does official honor in India mean only applause and certificates? Why must a girl who has honored the nation struggle for basics like electricity and sanitation?

A Wake-Up Call

As Pooja returns from Japan, she brings hope to her village—and also leaves behind a challenge for the system. Isn’t it time administration ensured that heroes like Pooja receive not just praise, but also the infrastructure they need to dream even higher? When will Pooja’s house finally fill with light—so her flight of hope can soar even further?

What is your view on this inspiring yet sobering story? Share your thoughts in the comments and follow us for more stories that matter!