Geek Speak: Omar Khalid Fakrul Kareem

It’s been 5 days since the end of KRG and things are finally back to the way they were. The event which was a gargantuan success has finally passed by and we are finally back after taking care of the entire gamut of post-event formalities. Meanwhile, back at Kidobotikz, it is Friday evening and students have started to trickle in after a long day at school. This being a long weekend, thanks to Ganesh Chaturthi on monday, one can expect three full days of roboting. It would be interesting to see how students will pay their obeisance to Lord Ganesh. Perhaps they might design a robotic version of the hindu deity. But again, these students have been engaged in enough robotics that could last for a month’s time or two. In the run up to KRG, most of these young minds were involved in close to 4 hours of robotics and related work everyday. It is only wise that they took a break from it for a while. And that’s exactly the last week must’ve helped them achieve. 

Meanwhile, I meet a young gentleman who is here after a memorable KRG. After being adjudged the winner in the Project Display, he is on cloud nine. Not just that, his school PSBB-KK Nagar was felicitated with a rolling shield for sending a contingent of excellent performers who won across all events. 

Before we talk on anything else, there’s quite a backstory to this chat. Omar, who we’ll be chatting with today, is quite a busy bee. On all the previous encounters I’ve met him, he was either busy with his bots or busy rushing for other activities after overstaying here at Kidobotikz. A chat with him has always eluded me, that is until today. I finally catch up him while he is yet again on his way hurrying out of the Kidobotikz makerspace place after a casual drop-by. I finally convince him to get a chat out of him. Kidobotikz, for him, is a favourite hangout spot.

Hey Omar! Must’ve been a wonderful KRG experience for you!

KRG is always an amazing experience for me. Here it is all about roboting and making new friends. This KRG was no different for me either. Made a few robots, won an event and made some great friends.

That’s quite interesting, How was your experience of being adjudged winner in the project display event?

Well, the event had a “Clean India” theme. Everyone else had plans to build a robot that was capable of cleaning and doing other chores. But, I just thought the country needed a helping hand for making itself cleaner. So, decided upon making a bionic arm that signifies the dexterity required for cleaning. Luckily, the judges were happy with my forethought and gave me the prize. 

Interesting. So, how does it feel to be a robotics hobbyist? 

Robotics for me is a highly passionate hobby. It has given some important life lessons such as being cautious with every step, making innovative things, understanding the importance of every ounce of knowledge etc. Even in my everyday life, robotics has made me something of a thinker. Not only am I now aware of how things work, but I can also make things on my own. When I first joined Kidobotikz 11/2 years ago, I had joined out of my own interest after finding out about them. I can now proudly say that my interest had paid off! 

Impressive! So, what is your take-away from this KRG and what do you aim to do in the next KRG?

Well, my proudest moment would be lifting up the trophy for our school. My own wins is something I will always cherish. Also, this is my successive “Project Expo” win. I wanna probably make it a hat-trick the next time. 

My best wishes for you! To conclude our chat, I’d like to know your future plans and ambitions when you graduate from Kidobotikz and high school

Well, I have no concrete plans yet. But I do wanna do robotics at one of the IITs or abroad when I leave high school. Other than that, I plan to take up everything as it comes by.