In Alappuzha, a student startup called EichhoTech gained popularity for its inventive use of invasive water hyacinth to make artwork, home decor, stationery, and personalized presents. Their environmentally friendly activities have impressed both the Governor of Kerala and the Secretary of the University Grants Commission (UGC).
Prof Manish R Joshi, UGC Secretary, praised EichhoTech for not only developing environmentally friendly products but also for strengthening poor communities through job opportunities. In a letter addressed to Prof Dr. G Nagendra Prabhu, Head of the Department of Zoology at Sanatana Dharma College in Alappuzha, he praised their twin influence on environmental conservation and social responsibility.
Dr. Prabhu, also the Principal Investigator at the Centre for Research on Aquatic Resources, led the development of technology for utilizing water hyacinth, an invasive species that threatens Kuttanad's wetlands. Under his leadership, EichhoTech began creating eco-friendly items such as handmade paper, wedding invitations, bookmarks, pens, and hand-painted fridge magnets.
The UGC secretary's encouragement has prompted EichhoTech to extend its nature-based solutions. Governor Arif Mohammad Khan was thrilled with their products and purchased stationery for his office and Raj Bhavan, declaring to draw attention to Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The Governor also proposed creating a project proposal to secure more funding.
EichhoTech's CEO, Anoop Kumar V, stated his delight at the good response, which included Dr Sujith Kumar Bajpayee, Joint Secretary of the Ministry of Environment, who wanted visiting cards manufactured from water hyacinth pulp. Additionally, the Ministry of Environment has asked Dr Prabhu and Anoop to attend the 'World Wetlands Day 2024' event in acknowledgment of their efforts to address environmental concerns.
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Technology is a useful servant, but a dangerous master, it was rightly said. Electronic devices have grown into an inevitable part of our daily lives.
