City lad's innovation catches Gujarat Technological University attention

VADODARA: An innovation of a city-based engineering student has caught attention of Gujarat Technological University (GTU). City lad Saumil Joshi, who has developed a website showcasing richness of the city, is now being encouraged by GTU to replicate the website on a larger scale.
Joshi is tying up with non governmental organizations (NGOs) whereby residents can register themselves to donate food or used clothes to orphanages or old age homes.
A final-year engineering student in IT stream at city-based Sigma Institute, Joshi along with his friend Ankita Dave had recently developed and launched a website - www.ourvadodara.in.
While Joshi handles the technical part, Dave, who has just passed out as a BBA student from M S University is helping out in creating awareness amongst Barodians regarding this website.
The youngsters highlight four days weather forecast of the city, showcase young talent like photographers, music bands, entrepreneurs and DJs of the city, blogs written by Barodians, carry list of NGOs, social work carried out in the city apart from listing movie timings and hangout places in and around the city.
Now, they are acting as a bridge between society and the underprivileged. "We are appealing to residents that if they have old clothes, vessels, furniture and if they want to donate it to orphanages, old age homes or schools, we will help them out," says Joshi, adding that his team even accepts food but not any cash donation.
For this citizens just need to fill up a form on the website. The youngsters give them a confirmation call, personally collect such items from their doorstep and after donating the items to the needy, provide photographs to the registered members as a proof of their donations reaching the end user.
GTU VC Akshai Aggarwal last week invited Joshi. "GTU has formed an Innovation Council with young entrepreneurs from across Gujarat as members. During a meeting that witnessed presence of around 40 entrepreneurs from across the state,
the members encouraged me and ensured that they will guide me so, that such an initiative can be taken up on a bigger scale," adds Joshi.