Lingampalli Himaja, an engineering student from Vishnu Women’s University in Bhimavaram, has been named among the top 20 finalists for the James Dyson Award. Her innovation, a voice-enabled Braille printer called 'RUDHRA', has earned this recognition.
Himaja developed this device to enable visually impaired individuals to create Braille documents on their own. She stated on Saturday, October 17, 2026, that it aims to reduce the complexities involved in traditional Braille typing methods.
The invention is designed to make writing more accessible by converting spoken words directly into Braille. Himaja explained that the idea originated during a visit to a school for visually impaired students.
She further mentioned that after developing an initial prototype, a question from one of the students inspired her to refine the concept into a voice-enabled printer.
'RUDHRA' will now proceed to the final stage of the James Dyson Award, where its capabilities will be evaluated by Sir James Dyson. The global winners are scheduled to be announced on November 4.