Mumbai: Akshay Ridlan has invented a device that helps finding the location of mentally disabled people if they go missing. The use of QR codes on lockets to help identify and locate missing mentally challenged people is a creative and practical solution. It can provide valuable assistance to families in finding their loved ones quickly. It is a significant effort from Akshay’s side to make the society a welcoming and safer place. 

The idea for the device

Akshay is a date engineer from Mumbai. In May 2020, Akshay lost his pet dog and anxiously searched for him everywhere. A wedding event was taking place near his house. There were fireworks; the dog became frightened with the loud clamour and uproar and ran away somewhere and never returned back. Akshay asked for help by informing his neighbours about it and making social media posts, but to no avail. His little furry member of the family could not be found. This incident prompted Akshay to create a device which would help people locate their missing pets.  

Inventing the first device

Akshay’s first device was a collar for pets with QR codes printed on them. The QR codes can be scanned and information about the pets can be retrieved from them. The pet’s name, medical history, contact information of the caretakers or owners, are all embedded in the codes. 

In collaboration with BMC, Akshay launched a pilot project to tag street dogs. The project was performed on 20 such dogs living around Mumbai International Airport Limited (CSMIA). 

Devices for mentally challenged people

Akshay shares that thousands of people go missing every year. It is difficult even for patients of Alzheimer or dementia to remember their addresses. People who suffer from mental disorders go missing and never return back home. Akshay invented a device that helps find the location of these patients. 

The device was launched on 13 September 2023 by Dr Swati Piramal. Presently, he is providing these devices for free. Registrations can be made on their website: projectchetna.in