Drone Prathap, also known as N M Prathap, is a popular figure on social media and a former participant on the Kannada edition of Bigg Boss. He became well-known for his assertions of creating more than 600 drones, supposedly assembled from components taken from outdated household appliances.
Early Life
Drone Prathap, originates from a humble farming household in Mandya, Karnataka. He faced economic hardships during his early years, which forced him to labor in the fields at a tender age in order to provide for his family.
Education
Drone Prathap overcame difficulties in his educational journey. He finished his schooling in Mandya, Karnataka, and it was during his tenth grade that his fascination with drones sparked after watching one on television. In order to gain knowledge about drone technology, he took up the role of a sweeper at a cyber café, granting him access to the internet.
He later moved to Mysuru to study for a Bachelor of Science degree at JSS College of Arts, Science and Commerce. Despite financial hardships that sometimes forced him to sleep at bus stands, he built his first drone after about 50 attempts. His innovative spirit led him to participate in competitions, culminating in a gold medal for showcasing a drone made from electronic waste at an exhibition in Japan.
Also Read: Shilpa Khatwani
Family
Drone Prathap comes from a humble agrarian family in Mandya, Karnataka. His father worked in agriculture, while his mother supported his ambitions by selling her jewelry to fund his trip to an international robotics exhibition in Japan.
Their sacrifices and encouragement played a crucial role in Prathap’s journey toward becoming a recognized innovator in drone technology.
Net Worth
Drone Prathap is believed to have a net worth of approximately $1 million in 2023. His financial prosperity can be attributed to his achievements, recognition, and involvement in global drone technology advancements and participating in international contests.
Also Read: Brain Jotter
Recognition and Achievements
Drone Prathap has made several claims about his achievements in drone technology:
- Drones Built: He claims to have constructed over 600 drones using electronic waste, though evidence is lacking.
- Awards: He asserts he won the Albert Einstein Innovation Gold Medal at the CeBIT 2018 expo and a Young Scientist Award at the iREX 2017 exhibition in Japan, but these claims have been disputed.
- Media Coverage: Drone Prathap gained significant media attention as an innovator, receiving financial support from various sources.
- Controversies: Many of his assertions, including being inducted into the DRDO by Prime Minister Modi, have been questioned and debunked.
Recent Controversies
Recent controversies involving Drone Prathap, include:
- Arrest for Explosion: On December 12, 2024, he was arrested for causing an explosion in an irrigation pond in Tumakuru, Karnataka, during a science experiment with sodium. He faces charges under the Explosive Substances Act.
- Judicial Custody: Drone Prathap was remanded to 14 days of judicial custody following the incident.
- Viral Video: He posted a video of the explosion on YouTube, claiming it was a scientific demonstration, which raised public safety concerns and backlash from local residents.
Social Media Links
Drone Prathap, is active on several social media platforms. Here are his main profiles:
- Instagram: @droneprathap – He has 649K followers and shares various posts related to his drone projects and personal life.
- X (Twitter): @itsdroneprathap – His profile features updates and interactions with followers.
- YouTube: @itsdroneprathap – He shares photos and videos related to his work and interests.
FAQs about Drone Prathap
Who is Drone Prathap?
N M Prathap, referred to as Drone Prathap, is a social media influencer and self-proclaimed drone innovator from Karnataka, India. He gained fame for claiming to have built over 600 drones using electronic waste.
Has he been appointed as a scientist in DRDO?
No, there is no evidence that Drone Prathap has been appointed as a scientist in the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) by Prime Minister Modi, despite his claims.
Are his claims about building drones credible?
Many of Prathap’s claims have been debunked. Investigations revealed that he has not provided any verifiable evidence of having built the drones he claims and often poses with drones made by other companies.