In a world where children often get engrossed with mobile phones and gadgets, 63-year-old Muhammad Ismaeel Mir, also known as “Newton,” from Watapora village of North Kashmir’s Bandipora district is choosing a different path to shape his grandchildren’s future.

Instead of handing them mobile phones, Ismail is engaging his grandchildren in the world of innovation.

Ismail’s grandson and granddaughter, both under five years of age, have already begun learning how to create temporary circuits and grasp the basics of electronics under his tutelage.

Drawing inspiration from the rapid technological progress in China, Ismail emphasized the importance of exposing children to innovative ideas from an early age.

In a chat with Rising Kashmir Ismail said that the world is changing, and China’s advancements in technology show how introducing innovative concepts to children can boost their senses and intellectual capabilities which can foster a future generation of innovators.

“I have chosen to provide my grandson and granddaughter with the tools of innovation instead of mobile phones. By doing so, I hope to cultivate their curiosity and passion for creating novel solutions that can shape the world for the better”, he said.

Ismail, an innovator himself, has an impressive track record of creating numerous groundbreaking inventions, including setting up a radio station inside his house back in 1978, which left the people of Bandipora district astounded.

His teacher aptly bestowed him with the name “Newton” due to his exceptional innovations and ideas. ” My Journey into the realm of innovation began in 1965 when I was studying in 6th standard and I came across an electrical engineering magazine in a Book shop at Srinagar. Despite the shopkeeper’s skepticism, my determination led me to travel 70 kilometers by bus every month to acquire the magazine, through which I learned the fundamentals of electrical engineering which ignited my passion for inventiveness”, Ismail said.

In 2008, Newton crafted his first remarkable invention—a lantern with a motion sensor and a fire alarm installation. Even the unfortunate loss of his eldest son, Dr. Jamsheed, to cancer in 2019 did not deter Newton’s inventive spirit.

Inspired by his late son’s memory and impressed by Newton’s genius, several of Dr. Jamsheed’s friends set up an in-situ “fab lab” worth 5 lakhs at Newton’s residence in Bandipora. The fab lab provides a dedicated space for Newton to continue his innovative work and nurture young minds interested in creativity and technology.

“I am doing my part to benefit society with whatever is possible. Imagination and creativity are highly esteemed in today’s society and should be celebrated,” Newton declared.

However, Newton believes that society often misconstrues invention as madness, and he hopes that more unconventional thinkers and their ideas will be recognized which will foster a culture of creativity and innovation across the nation.