Thiruvananthapuram: E.
C. Thomas, a former journalist and an associate director of Aravindan’s
films who later turned into a science innovator, has won the National
Innovation Contest in engineering conducted by Technopark for his device
on mosquito eradication titled ‘Take it Eazzy’. 

The
product, based on basic science works on atmospheric pressure, gravity
and buoyancy, has enabled 66-year- old Thomas to win Rs 50, 000, beating
scores of applicants across the country.

Until last year, the
National Innovation Contest was competed in by engineering college
students, which has now been changed to an open category. Thomas, who is
usually referred to by his family and friends as ‘E. C’, referring to
his initials, did not have to think twice before naming his product,
‘Take it Eazzy’.

His perseverance has finally paid off as he has
been relentlessly working on his dream science project for the last
seven years. Though Thomas tried for a grant from Kerala State Council
for Science, Technology and Environment Development Council, his
proposal was rejected.

“My device works on a tray of water with
different chambers. It is a ‘fit and forget’ device and day-to-day care
is not required. I have already got the patent for my product four years
ago. Though five years back Godrej Company wanted to take care of the
marketing side, I could not pursue it seriously due to my journalistic
commitments with PTI TV. But now Godrej will take over the marketing
very soon”, said Thomas, who was also the associate director of most of
Aravindan’s films and the artist of Kavalam Narayana Panicker’s plays
like Marattam.

Thomas doesn’t have any science or academic
background. He opines that one mosquito coil is equivalent to passive
smoking of 100 cigarettes a day. His ‘Take it Eazzy’ product is devoid
of any chemicals.

The product is priced between Rs 5, 000 and Rs
75, 000 depending on the ingredients being used. The cash award and
mem­ento was handed over to Thomas by Dr. R. A. Mashelkar, former
Dire­ctor General of Cou­ncil of Scientific and Industrial Research
(CSIR) on Saturday.