*Instant alerts to hospitals, police, and family will ensure faster emergency response and timely ambulance assistance in accidents.*
Bokaro: In a remarkable milestone, the Indian government has granted a patent and approved the adoption of ‘Rakshak,’ a groundbreaking road safety innovation by Rupesh Kumar, a student of DPS Bokaro. This innovative project, aimed at ensuring swift emergency response in road accidents, received its patent under the Inspire Standard Award Scheme, facilitated by the National Innovation Foundation under the Department of Science & Technology, Government of India.
Rupesh’s device and mobile application, Rakshak, aim to drastically reduce fatalities caused by delayed medical aid. The system instantly notifies hospitals within a one-kilometer radius of an accident, sending real-time location details via call and SMS, ensuring ambulances reach the injured on time. Additionally, it alerts family members, local police, and nearby registered drivers, improving emergency response efficiency. The technology is now expected to be integrated by automobile manufacturers, further enhancing road safety in India.
Government Recognition and International Exposure
Acknowledging Rupesh’s contribution to road safety, the Indian government has selected him for a Japan tour in June 2025 under the Inspire Manak Award Scheme. If he qualifies in the final round, he will receive a Rs 8 lakh prize and a prestigious four-day stay at Rashtrapati Bhavan.
Expressing his gratitude, Rupesh emphasized the importance of collaboration with car manufacturers to implement his innovation on a large scale. He noted that centralized driver data collection through his system could also aid in mapping accident-prone zones for better traffic management.
A Mission Born from Personal Tragedy
The inspiration behind Rakshak stemmed from a personal loss—Rupesh’s father’s friend, Ravi Shankar Kumar, a former BSL worker, tragically lost his life in a road accident due to delayed medical assistance. This incident led Rupesh to conceptualize a device capable of ensuring timely emergency response. With guidance from his teacher, Md. Obaidullah Ansari, he developed the prototype within a month, investing around Rs 1,200 in the initial phase.
How ‘Rakshak’ Works
The system utilizes advanced technology, including MCU (Microcontroller Unit), GPS, AI, acceleration detectors, and sensors to detect speed fluctuations and impact pressure. Integrated with a mobile application, it stores driver details, emergency contacts, and medical information, triggering automated alerts in case of accidents. Additionally, the device warns drivers when they exceed the safe speed limit, helping prevent accidents altogether.
Addressing India’s Road Safety Crisis
With 1.5 lakh road accident deaths annually in India, 45,000 of which occur due to delayed ambulance response, ‘Rakshak’ could be a game-changer. The DPS Bokaro fraternity, led by Principal Dr. A.S. Gangwar, lauded Rupesh’s achievement, reaffirming the school’s commitment to fostering scientific innovation and holistic education.
If widely implemented, Rakshak has the potential to revolutionize emergency response systems and save countless lives on Indian roads.
