Indian Inventions with Everyday Global Impact

India has a long and proud tradition of innovation, with inventions that have significantly shaped the world across many centuries. Starting from ancient mathematical breakthroughs like the concept of zero to modern advancements in wireless communication, Indian inventors have continuously pushed the boundaries of knowledge. Moreover, these inventions still influence and improve our daily lives worldwide, making India’s contribution to global progress.

Let us take a closer look at some amazing Indian inventions that have influenced the world.

• Wireless Communication
• The USB port
• Fibre Optics
• Plastic Roads
• Edible Cutlery
• Decimal System and Concept of Zero

Wireless Communication (JAGADISH CHANDRA BOSE)

When we think of wireless communication, names like Guglielmo Marconi often come to mind.

However, long before Marconi gained international recognition, Jagadish Chandra Bose had already made a groundbreaking contribution. In fact, as early as 1895, Bose successfully demonstrated the transmission of electromagnetic waves. Despite this remarkable achievement, he chose not to patent his invention.

Consequently, two years later in 1896, Marconi patented his own system for wireless telegraphy.

As a result, he quickly rose to global fame, overshadowing Bose’s earlier work. Nevertheless, Bose’s pioneering efforts laid the foundation for future advancements in wireless technology, even if they were not immediately acknowledged.

Back in 1895, Jagadish Chandra Bose pioneered the use of radio waves for wireless communication. At that time, he demonstrated the transmission of signals over a distance without the need for physical wires — a truly groundbreaking achievement. As a result of this innovation, Bose laid the scientific foundation for a wide range of essential technologies, including radio, television, mobile phones, Wi-Fi, and even satellites. Over time, these technologies have evolved and become deeply embedded in our daily lives. Today, billions of people around the world rely on wireless communication for everything from staying connected to accessing information. Therefore, Bose’s early work remains a cornerstone of the interconnected digital age we live in.

The USB port (AJAY V. BHATT)

During the early 1990s, connecting devices such as printers, keyboards, and external drives to computers was not simple. In fact, it was a frustrating tangle of incompatible ports, confusing drivers, and endless setup headaches. Recognizing this growing problem, Ajay Bhatt, an engineer at Intel, stepped in to lead a team determined to bring order to the chaos. Eventually, their efforts paid off. They introduced a groundbreaking solution: a universal interface capable of connecting multiple devices through a single, standardized port. That innovation, as we now know, became USB — a technology that revolutionized how we interact with computers and continues to shape our digital lives today.

Introduced in Year: 1996
Purpose: Replace multiple connectors with one simple, plug-and-play interface
Impact: USB became the global standard for connecting peripherals, powering devices, and transferring data.

The USB port, now a ubiquitous standard for connecting computers and devices, was invented by Indian-American engineer Ajay V. Bhatt. Introduced in the mid-1990s, this technology quickly revolutionized the way we transfer data and connect peripherals. Thanks to its simplicity and versatility, USB made it dramatically easier for users around the world to plug in keyboards, mice, smartphones, and storage devices. Moreover, its plug-and-play functionality eliminated the need for complex setup processes, contributing to its rapid and widespread adoption. Today, USB stands as one of the most common and essential interfaces in the digital world.

In recognition of his groundbreaking contribution, Ajay V. Bhatt was awarded the Padma Shri — India’s fourth-highest civilian honor — in January 2025.

Fibre Optics (NARINDER SINGH KAPANY)

Narinder Singh Kapany, widely recognized as the “Father of Fibre Optics,” made a groundbreaking contribution in the 1950s when he demonstrated the use of flexible optical fibres to transmit images and data using light. Since then, his invention has become a cornerstone of modern internet and telecommunications infrastructure.

As a result, it enables high-speed data transfers and seamless broadband connectivity across continents. Consequently, everyday activities such as internet browsing, video streaming, and global communications rely heavily on Kapany’s innovation. Without his pioneering work, the digital world as we know it today would not be possible.

Back in 1954, while working in London, Narinder Singh Kapany carried out a groundbreaking experiment that would change the course of optical science. During this pivotal moment, he successfully transmitted light through a twisted glass fiber. This achievement not only demonstrated that light could travel through flexible materials, but it also laid the foundation for future innovations in fibre optics. As a result, his work opened the door to a new era of high-speed communication and data transmission.

This discovery was revolutionary—it showed that optical signals could be used to carry data over long distances with minimal loss.

He was awarded with the Padma Vibhushan posthumously in 2021, India’s second-highest civilian honor.

Plastic Roads (Dr.RAJAGOPALAN VASUDEVAN)

Dr.Rajagopalan Vasudevan is called Plastic Man of India. Born in 1946 in Tamil Nadu, India, he went on to become a respected professor at Thiagarajar College of Engineering in Madurai, where he dedicated his career to advancing education and inspiring future engineers.

The concept of plastic roads was first introduced in 2001 by Dr. Rajagopalan Vasudevan, a distinguished chemistry professor from India. Motivated by the growing problem of plastic waste, he came up with an innovative solution: mixing shredded plastic with tar to pave roads. This method not only enhanced the durability of the roads but also reduced maintenance costs by nearly 50%.

Since then, his pioneering approach has gained global recognition, leading to the widespread adoption of recycled plastic roads in various countries as a sustainable infrastructure solution.

Plastic roads are

• more durable
• cost effective
• resistant to heavy rains and potholes
• environmental friendly by reducing plastic pollution

He was awarded with the Padma Shri in 2018, one of India’s highest civilian honors.

Edible Cutlery (NARAYANA PEESAPATI)

Narayana Peesapati, a former scientist at the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT), became increasingly concerned about the environmental damage caused by plastic cutlery. Witnessing the growing piles of non-biodegradable waste, he felt compelled to find a sustainable alternative that could reduce our dependence on single-use plastics.

In response to the global plastic waste crisis, Narayana Peesapati took an innovative step forward by inventing edible spoons and forks crafted from millets, rice, and wheat. Not only are these utensils sturdy and biodegradable, but they can also be consumed after use—making them both practical and eco-friendly. As awareness of sustainable dining grows, his edible cutlery concept is steadily gaining traction in various countries, offering a promising solution to reduce plastic pollution worldwide.

• 100% natural and vegan
• Available in flavors like ginger-garlic, cinnamon, salt-pepper, and vanilla
• Shelf life of up to 3 years
• Decomposes in less than a week if not eaten
• Can withstand hot liquids and is strong enough for regular use

Decimal System and Concept of Zero

Aryabhatta (5th century CE)

The decimal system, which revolutionized mathematics and computation, was introduced by the renowned Indian mathematician Aryabhatta in the 5th century CE.

In his seminal work Aryabhatiya, he developed a place value system where the value of each digit depends on its position within a number. This breakthrough allowed for a far more efficient way to represent and calculate large numbers, marking a significant advancement in mathematical thinking.

Moreover, Aryabhatta introduced the concept of a placeholder for zero—an idea that, although not represented by a symbol at the time, played a crucial role in the evolution of numerical systems. His innovative approach not only simplified calculations but also laid the foundation for positional notation, which remains central to modern arithmetic and digital computing.

Brahmagupta (7th century CE)

While Aryabhatta laid the groundwork for the decimal system, it was Brahmagupta in the 7th century who took the concept further by formally developing the symbol and arithmetic rules for zero. He was the first to treat zero as a number in its own right, rather than just a placeholder.

In addition, Brahmagupta defined operations involving zero—such as addition and subtraction—and used the Sanskrit word śūnya to represent it. His influential book Brahmasphutasiddhanta also introduced rules for working with negative numbers, shaping the future of mathematics.