Navjot Sawhney: Indian-Origin Sikh Engineer Wins PM Rishi Sunak’s Award For Low Cost Invention
Navjot Sawhney, an Indian origin Sikh engineer has won UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s Points of Lights Award for designing an energy efficient manual washing machine for displaced and low-income communities.
Over 1000 families are being benefitted with the hand-cranked washing machine designed by London based Navjot. The machine can help save up to 50 % of water and 75 % of time compared to handwashing clothes. These machines are also helping Ukrainian families who have been forced to flee their homes and are currently living in humanitarian aid centres. Also Read : Asees Kaur Gets Engaged To Goldie Sohel & The Couple Looks Adorable Together!
The machine is named after his neighbour Divya in India, who would spend up to 20 hours each week washing her family’s clothes - a burden which prevented her from pursuing paid work and caused her to suffer skin irritations and back pain.
According to reports, Navjot set up ‘The Washing Machine Project' some four years ago, with over 300 machines distributed worldwide so far to places including refugee camps, schools and orphanages. Also Read : Street Talk: Are All Men The Same?
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“Winning the Points of Light award and getting recognised by the Prime Minister is a phenomenal privilege,” Sawhney said after receiving the award.
“The Washing Machine Project’s mission is to alleviate the burden of unpaid labour, mainly on women and children. I’m so proud that giving back the dignity of clean clothes to those who hand wash them is getting the recognition it deserves,” Sawhney added. Also Read : Apne Ghar Begane: Balraj Syal Announces His Directorial Debut On His Birthday!
For the unversed, The Points of Light recognises outstanding individual volunteers who are making a change in their community.
