Nimal Subramanian
IRVINE: In January when Nimal Subramanian’s teacher posted information about Google’s first ever science fair contest his interest was aroused. His uncle, Somu, encouraged him to enter. Nimal knew this would be difficult to win because out of 10,000 international students only 7500 entries were selected to compete.
The 8th-grader submitted a project that examined whether anti-cancer agents used in food inhibit the germination and protein content in experimental seeds. Nimal came up with the idea for this project during one of his trips to India. He complained that every time he visited his Indian relatives there would feed him spicy things. When he complained that he preferred not to eat the spices he was always told, “They are good for you.” This prompted him to design the winning experiment.
In May, the contest was narrowed down to 15 finalists and Google urged everyone to vote for their favorite. The Indian American community supported Nimal and he became the People’s Choice Winner on May 21. His win was covered in a half-page story in the Orange County Register and online. Information about the Google contest can be viewed at http://www.google.com/events/sciencefair.
Nimal confesses that his dad, a research scientist, wanted him to follow in his footsteps. An inventor at heart, he is now thinking of following up his project by testing using animals instead of plants.
“I have always tried to do things to promote the welfare of others.” Nimal replied when asked how he felt about being a role model to all aspiring scientists and to Indian youth.” He hopes his work will make a difference for cancer patients. “This is the biggest point in my life so far.” He gushes. “but I am confident it is just the beginning.”
India Post News Service
