Surat: What began as a classroom assignment has now earned a Veer Narmad South Gujarat University (VNSGU) student a design patent. Prem Bardoliwala, a recent graduate in interior designing, has been granted a design patent by the Government of India for his innovative creation — the ‘Hanging Light’. The idea was born not in a lab or studio, but during a trip to Rajasthan where he observed carpet weavers squinting under poor lighting.Bardoliwala, then a fifth-semester student, was struck by how the lack of proper lighting hindered the intricate work of traditional artisans. “They needed focused, flexible lighting, something they didn’t have,” he told TOI. At the same time, a classroom project had him surveying lighting setups in Surat’s bustling Chauta Bazar, where he noticed how vendors creatively adjusted their lighting in cramped spaces. Combining insights from both worlds, he came up with what he calls a ‘Hook Solution,’ a versatile, movable light inspired by everyday clothes hangers.Bardoliwala filed the patent jointly with VNSGU and his mentors, professors Ankit Changawala and Snehal Patel, who guided him through the design process.The patented hanging light has a smart bulb, making it adaptable for various settings — from office desks and dining tables to labor-intensive workplaces where directed, adjustable lighting is crucial. “Different kinds of bulbs can be used depending on the requirement,” Bardoliwala said, adding that the light’s utility lies in its ability to deliver focused illumination wherever it’s needed most.The Patent Office officially issued the Certificate of Registration of Design last week to the young innovator.
