Rajouri teen’s homemade hydel project, excavation machine stun locals

By Abid Bashir
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13 Apr 2026

Class 10 student Zahid Ali turns household materials into working machines

Srinagar, Apr 12: In the Budhal subdivision in Rajouri district, where opportunities are often limited, but imagination knows no bounds, a 16-year-old Rajouri teen is scripting a story of innovation and hope.

Zahid Ali, a Class 10 student from Targain village of Budhal, has stunned locals by developing fully functional models of an earth excavation machine and a mini hydropower project—crafted entirely from household materials. With no formal training, sophisticated tools, or technical backing, Zahid’s work stands as a testament to raw talent, curiosity and determination.

Speaking to Rising Kashmir, Zahid said his journey began with simple curiosity. “Since childhood, I was always curious about how machines work. I used to observe things around me and try to recreate them with whatever materials I could find at home,” he said.

His excavation model reflects a strong understanding of basic mechanical engineering, with carefully designed moving parts that replicate real-life operations. “I did not have any proper tools, so I used scrap items and adjusted them again and again until the model started working properly,” he explained.

Even more remarkable is his mini hydel project—an innovative setup that channels water from a nearby stream to generate electricity. Through simple wiring and storage, Zahid has managed to produce enough power to charge a mobile phone.

“I wanted to use the natural resources around us in a useful way. When I saw water flowing in the stream, I thought why not try to generate electricity from it,” Zahid said. “When the bulb first lit up and later when I charged a phone, it gave me a lot of confidence.”

Reflecting on the challenges, he added, “There were many times when things did not work, but I did not give up. I kept trying different ideas until I succeeded. That process taught me a lot.”

What makes Zahid’s achievement extraordinary is not just the functionality of his models, but the spirit behind them. In a place where access to advanced labs or mentorship is scarce, he has relied solely on observation, experimentation and persistence.

“I want to learn more and build bigger projects in the future. If I get proper guidance and support, I believe I can do much better,” he said, expressing hope for mentorship and opportunities.

Back in his village, Zahid has become a source of pride and inspiration. Locals describe him as a beacon of possibility for rural youth, proving that innovation is not confined to cities or well-equipped institutions.

“I want other students like me to try new things and not feel limited by resources. If we have interest and dedication, we can create something meaningful,” Zahid added. His journey, though just beginning, already carries a powerful message—that brilliance can emerge from the most unlikely places, and that even the simplest materials, in the right hands, can light up the future.