Adani International School Student's AI Innovation Earns UK Gold Crest Award for Inclusivity

At just 17, Aahan Prajapati has developed a machine-learning model to aid colour-blind students in India. His initiative, 'Aiding Colours', enhances educational materials and promotes awareness.

Life’s obstacles often carry hidden opportunities. For 17-year-old Aahan Ritesh Prajapati, born with red-green colour blindness, what started as a personal limitation became the inspiration behind an innovation with the potential to transform education for colour-blind learners across India.

Diagnosed in Grade Four after struggling in practical and visual subjects, Aahan realized that many students endure similar challenges without even knowing it. Driven by empathy and the desire to make a difference, he launched "Aiding Colours"—an initiative combining awareness, diagnostics, and technology.

Over tests conducted across 30 schools, Aahan identified nearly 120 colour-blind students. His innovation didn’t stop at identification. He built a machine-learning model capable of enhancing textbook diagrams and maps to compensate for colour-vision inadequacies, achieving an impressive 99.7% accuracy.

In recognition of his pathbreaking work, Aahan received the prestigious Gold Crest Award (UK)—an accolade celebrating exceptional young scientific talent. His project has attained international visibility, featured at the Indo-French Conference on AI and Healthcare at IIT-Delhi, and is slated for publication in the International Journal of High School Research, New York.

Aahan gives significant credit to Adani International School, where he continued his work with institutional support. The school provided platforms, resources, and encouragement—turning personal initiative into a structured school-wide project. He recounts, "After moving to Adani International School, my school supported me a lot and gave me a platform…"

Namrata Adani, Promoter of Adani International School, succinctly captured the school’s ethos:

"Education must go beyond textbooks. It must shape compassionate leaders who can touch lives."

Aahan’s efforts extended further: with the help of the Dr. Shivani Bhatt Charitable Foundation, he organized screening camps across four districts. These camps tested over 10,000 students, identifying 131 students previously unaware of their condition.

Beyond diagnosis, Aahan developed bilingual awareness leaflets (English and Gujarati), inclusive stationery, and guides for educators—to foster understanding and sensitivity in classrooms.

Looking ahead, Aahan aims to expand his project across Gujarat and India, and advocate for mandatory colour-blindness screening in schools and accessible materials in textbooks.