A journey from the Shanties to Sydney: Resource-challenged adolescents Clinch Victory in International Robotics Competition

Mumbai, September 13, 2024:Salaam Bombay Foundation is delighted to share the incredible achievement of Sumit Yadav and Paras Pawade, trained under the expert guidance of The Innovation Story, who as part of Team Paraducks, has won the Asia Pacific Open Championship in Australia. The students were hand-picked from Salaam Bombay Foundation’s skills@school programme and belonged to India’s urban slums.

Representing The Innovation Story and Salaam Bombay Foundation, Team Paraducks triumphed at the Asia Pacific Open Championship with their robot, Ducktator. Competing against strong teams like Sana Team from Kazakhstan, their focus on improving mosaics and set lines during practice paid off. Their teamwork and strategic planning were key to their success. Looking ahead, the team aims to create advanced robots that can seamlessly fit into everyday life, pushing the limits of artificial intelligence and robotics.

At SBF, our trainers and mentors conducted thorough grassroots scouting to identify promising talents like Paras and Sumit, envisioning a career continuum for them. We partnered with The Innovation Story to further support the career trajectories of these young individuals.

Sumit, who studied at Guru Nanak Higher Secondary School, GTB Nagar, began his journey with the Foundation in 2021 when he joined the SBF’s skills@school’s mobile repair course in std. 7. Like his teammate Paras, they both went through a series of aptitude tests and personal interviews, they were selected for an advanced training programme by The Innovation Story. Here they received the opportunity to train under some of the best minds in robotics at their specialized centres. Inspired by his neighbour, a software engineer in the USA, Sumit dreams of following a similar path while staying connected to his roots in India. His love for mechatronics and the values taught by his father has fuelled his drive for success.

While Paras comes from a family of farmers, he dreams of becoming a tech innovator to help solve the challenges faced by India’s agricultural community. While completing his education at Pal Rajendra School, Paras also joined Salaam Bombay Foundation’s Robotics programme in 2021.

Under the expert guidance of The Innovation Story, through Salaam Bombay Foundation both Sumit and Paras had the opportunity to participate in The FIRSTTech Challenge in Pune and at the FIRSTGlobal Challenge – the Olympics of the Robotics World in Geneva, Switzerland in 2022. This proved to be a truly life-changing experience for each of them. From being unable to operate a laptop to being trained for over 300 hours in robotics, they became first-time international travellers and also the first ones in their families to even get their passports made!

The outstanding achievement of Sumit and Paras is a source of immense pride for all of us at Salaam Bombay Foundation. Their journey from local classrooms to an international stage is not only a testament to their determination but also to the opportunities provided by Salaam Bombay Foundation. It is a tale of perseverance that inspires us all. Since the STEM programme’s launch in 2014, more than 19,000 students have been enrolled across cities including Mumbai, Pune, Nashik, Kolkata, Bengaluru, Jaipur, and Mysore, with 30% of these students being girls. SBF remains committed to empowering students with the skills and confidence needed to dream big and achieve their goals.

The Innovation Story, which supported Team Paraducks in competing in Australia, has been a driving force, offering young innovators a chance to showcase their talents on a global stage. The organization’s dedication to excellence in robotics and STEM education has been vital in shaping the futures of Sumit and Paras.

Salaam Bombay Foundation has played a crucial role in discovering and nurturing the potential of Sumit and Paras. Through its programmes, the Foundation has provided them with opportunities to develop STEM skills, practice engineering principles, and learn the value of teamwork and innovation. This support has been essential in their journey to success.

The success of Sumit Yadav and Paras Pawade at the Asia Pacific Open Championship is more than just a personal victory; it’s a source of inspiration and hope for young innovators across India.