In the heartlands of rural Uttar Pradesh, the rhythmic grind of atta chakkis (flour mills) used to come with a cost: the deafening hum of diesel generators, clouds of smoke, and the strain of high fuel expenses. It was the soundscape of hard work — but also hardship.
That was until 17-year-old Aayan Chopra from Gurugram decided to change the equation.
While most teens his age were buried in textbooks preparing for their Class 12 board exams, Aayan was spending his weekends deep in villages, listening to workers, understanding their challenges, and most importantly — offering a solution.
His brainchild, Project Surya Chakra, is not just replacing diesel with solar — it’s replacing despair with dignity.
A Silent Revolution
Under Project Surya Chakra, rooftop solar panels have been installed on local atta chakkis, powering machines without noise, fumes, or dependency on erratic diesel supplies. The results have been nothing short of transformative:
- Over $25,000 saved every month by rural workers
- More than 13,000 litres of diesel eliminated
- 35,000+ kg of CO₂ emissions prevented
- Peace restored in homes, where children can finally study in silence
- 8 out of 15 solar chakkis now run by women, symbolising a shift towards gender empowerment
What makes Aayan’s initiative remarkable isn’t just the technology — it’s the empathy behind it. He didn’t parachute in solutions. He walked the dusty roads, conducted workshops, answered questions, and listened. Over 5,000 workers have benefited from his guidance.
More Than Just Power
Aayan quickly realised that the journey didn’t end with solar panels. It had only begun.
He is now working on:
- Solar maintenance guides in Hindi, English, and Indian Sign Language — making technical knowledge truly accessible
- A clean energy curriculum for schools
- Safety gear kits for chakki workers often exposed to mustard seed fumes and dust
“This isn’t just about electricity,” Aayan says. “It’s about health. Education. Women’s empowerment. And dignity.”
Why This Matters for India
India’s 6.4 lakh villages are home to millions of micro-entrepreneurs. From flour mill operators to blacksmiths, many still rely on diesel-powered machinery — which is expensive, polluting, and unreliable. As India races toward its Net Zero 2070 goals, the transition to clean energy cannot be top-down. It must include — and be led by — the grassroots.
Project Surya Chakra proves that solar isn’t just for tech parks and metro cities. It belongs in the dusty lanes of Jaunpur, on the rooftops of Varanasi, and in the determined hands of women entrepreneurs in Azamgarh.
A Spark of Hope
Aayan Chopra reminds us that age is no barrier to impact. With humility, intelligence, and courage, he’s shown that one student with a vision can light up thousands of lives — quite literally.
His work is a powerful message to young changemakers across India: you don’t need to wait for a degree or a title to make a difference. All you need is a problem worth solving — and the courage to take the first step.
In a world often darkened by climate anxiety, Aayan brings a ray of hope — one Surya Chakra at a time.
Source:Better India
