11-07-2025
Andhra Deputy Chief Minister rides teen's e-cycle, offers Rs 1 lakh grant
Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister and Minister for Science and Technology, Pawan Kalyan, has recognised and rewarded the efforts of 17-year-old Rajapu Sidhu, who built an electric cycle to solve his daily commute a second-year intermediate student from Jadavari Kothavalasa village in Vizianagaram district, used his savings of Rs 35,000 and technical skills learned through the Atal Tinkering Laboratory at school to create a battery-powered cycle. The innovation was aimed at reducing his Rs 60-a-day travel expense and helping him reach his college in Rajam, 17 km away, on by Sidhu's story, reported by India Today, the Deputy Chief Minister invited him to his camp office in Mangalagiri. There, Pawan Kalyan personally tested the cycle and interacted with Sidhu, calling the initiative 'inspiring and purposeful.'
'We need to nurture young minds like his. His vision proves that innovation doesn't need a lab, it needs intent,' said the Deputy Chief recognition of Sidhu's effort, Pawan Kalyan announced an incentive of Rs 1 lakh to support his future innovations. He also assured continued backing through the State Innovation e-cycle can run up to 80 km on a single 3.5-hour charge, reaches speeds between 25–50 kmph, and includes a hub motor, three gears, and a pillion seat. It has reduced his daily commute cost to just Rs addition to his e-cycle, Sidhu presented a community service idea, Grocery Guru, a hyperlocal delivery solution for rural areas. Officials indicated that his proposals will be considered for mentoring and possible scaling through state-supported programmes.- Ends
