Image Source: The Better India
At an age when most people slow down, Bengaluru-based inventor Hari Parameswaran continues to transform science education, inspiring generations of young learners with his innovative approach. At 84, Hari stands as the creative brain behind 25 patented science kits—including the award-winning Dynam Mini Microscope—making science hands-on, fun, and accessible to children across India and beyond.
Hari Parameswaran: The Relentless Innovator
Hari began his inventive journey in 1963, founding Dynam Engineering Corporation to fill a void in interactive science teaching tools for children.
His inventions include 25 patented science kits, which range from the famous pocket-sized Dynam Mini Microscope to comprehensive electricity, mechanics, and mathematics kits.
The Dynam Mini Microscope, just 7.8 cm long, delivers about 60x magnification without the fragility or cost of traditional lab equipment, winning the prestigious Worlddidac Gold Award in 1992.
As a lifelong early riser who starts his day at 3:30 am, Hari’s routine reflects his tireless curiosity and passion for making science approachable for all.
Democratizing Science—For All
Hari’s mission centers on breaking the cage of textbook-bound learning, bringing science alive through play and experimentation. His science kits introduce children to principles like gravity, electromagnetism, and mechanics using ordinary, affordable materials.
In his Bengaluru home, converted into a living laboratory, every experiment is hands-on, from balancing hangers to understand gravity to swirling paper planes for aerodynamics.
His kits have found their way into schools across India and abroad, from rural Karnataka to classrooms in Australia and the US.
Dynam Mini Microscope: A Game Changer
The Dynam Mini Microscope stands out for its durability, affordability, and ease of use. Constructed with borosilicate glass and designed to be unbreakable, it empowers even very young or neurodivergent children to safely explore the microscopic world.
Hari believes that putting such tools directly into the hands of students, rather than locking them away for fear of breakage, nurtures scientific curiosity among all children—including farmers’ children and those with disabilities.
Community, Awards, and Impact
Hari’s work has earned him numerous accolades, including the National Award for Best Teaching Aids (Dynam Electrikit) and Rotary International’s Paul Harris Fellow recognition for his contributions to humanitarian service.
His outreach through science camps across Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, and Gujarat introduces lab science to children who otherwise have no access.
Hari leads the Dynam Vocational Skills Training Centre, started in 1980, which offers skills to neurodivergent children, reflecting his belief that science is for everyone.
Working closely with organizations like the Rotary Club of Bangalore and the Association of People with Disability, Hari has directly impacted over 10,000 children, blending scientific exploration with social inclusion.
A Lasting Legacy
Hari’s educational kits have received governmental recognition and have been exported to countries including the USA, West Indies, and Malaysia.
The kits cover a wide range: The Dynam Electric Kit teaches electricity and electromagnetism through over 40 components; the Abacus Kit simplifies mental math; and others demonstrate physics principles like center of gravity and mechanics.
He remains motivated by the joy of seeing “wow moments” on children’s faces as they unlock scientific understanding with their own hands.
Beyond Patents to Passion
For Hari, the real reward is neither patents nor trophies but the millions of children he has inspired to become more curious, confident, and creative.
His journey demonstrates that with the right triggers, every child—regardless of background or ability—can find a friend in science.
Through his unwavering dedication, innovation, and heart, Hari Parameswaran stands as a beacon in India’s education landscape, ensuring that science remains an open playground for the curious.
Sources: The Better India
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