Special Report
Islamabad, (Parliament Times) : The Revolutionary “Drone Project” of a Young Mind – An Inspiring Scientific Discovery
Sami Asif, a Class 9 student at Beaconhouse School System, Gulberg Green, Islamabad, has successfully completed a remote-controlled drone project, showcasing his remarkable creativity and ingenuity.
This intelligent student has taken a revolutionary step in the scientific world, presenting the theories of natural selection and evolution through an innovative, modern lens. While Sami’s dedication and hard work were instrumental in bringing this project to life, the guidance and encouragement of his parents and teachers served as the foundation of his success.
Reflecting on his journey, Sami shared that balancing his time between school studies, Quran learning, and the demanding project was one of his greatest challenges. Yet, driven by determination, he carved out time during Ramadan, especially after Sahoor , to focus on his drone project. After six months of relentless effort, his drone achieved its first successful flight.
Sami’s Journey in His Own Words
“My teachers encouraged me throughout this journey, and my parents supported me both financially and emotionally. In today’s scientific era, knowledge is just a click away. I gathered the necessary information for this project through Google, YouTube, and other online platforms.
I faced multiple challenges and failures during the process but overcame them without quitting. Initially, I envisioned creating a solar-powered drone, but the heavy batteries required to lift the weight made this impractical. I then shifted my focus to building a remote-controlled drone.
While working on building the remote control, I faced coding incompatibility issues with an outdated system. To resolve this, I purchased a remote control from the market. During the first trial flight, the drone exhibited erratic movements due to the absence of a flight controller. I diagnosed the issue, found a solution, and fixed it.
I presented my drone at the school science fair, where it flew briefly before landing. Despite this, my teachers and the principal praised my efforts, calling me the only student in the Islamabad region of Beaconhouse School System to work on such a unique project. Their encouragement fuelled my resolve to perfect my creation.
After months of hard work, the drone was finally ready for a full flight. In June 2024, I took it to Saudi Arabia, where I conducted a trial run at Al Khobar Corniche together with my father. You can watch the video of this trial!”
Sami’s Advice to Peers and the Younger Generation
At the conclusion of his interview, Sami shared three powerful messages:
1. Never Quit – “Only losers quit. Those who are committed continue their struggle.”
2. What You Are Looking For Is Also Looking You – Quoting Rumi, he emphasized the importance of being driven and persistent: “If you stay committed and persevere, you will achieve your goals.”
3. Awaken the Giant Within You – “Everyone has unique talents. Discover your passion and work tirelessly toward it.”
Sami’s story is a testament to the potential of young minds in our community. His journey serves as a roadmap and inspiration for the younger generation. His efforts don’t end here; he is currently working on fixing the GPS and aims to bring further innovation to his craft. I highly recommend that teachers from all schools, both government and private, share Sami’s story and video with their students. Beyond traditional education, it is crucial to expose children to practical experiences and innovative projects to prepare them with the skills needed to face the challenges of tomorrow.