From Diesel to Dhoop: How a 17-year-old Gurugram Teen is Empowering Villages with Solar-Powered Atta Chakkis

In the middle of board exam prep, most 17-year-olds worry about marks and college. But Aayan Chopra was thinking about something else — diesel fumes. He had just come back from a village where a flour mill ran on a tractor motor. It was loud. It stank. The workers couldn’t hear themselves talk. Kids couldn’t study. Families lived with constant noise. And he couldn’t stop thinking: Why are we still using fuel when we have sunlight everywhere?

That question sparked Project Surya Chakra, a solar-powered mission lighting up rural livelihoods — quite literally. What began as an observation turned into a full-scale transformation. From noisy diesel engines to clean, cost-saving solar panels, this teen-led project is helping rural India run quieter, greener, and smarter. By swapping diesel-powered atta chakkis with rooftop solar systems, the initiative is silently changing the game for small mill owners, local workers, and even school-going children. But this isn’t just a solar story — it’s about training, dignity, sustainability, and a vision to empower those often left out of the energy conversation. Let’s explore how a young changemaker from Gurugram is bringing calm, clean power to India’s heartland.

A Student’s Solar Mission That’s Powering Rural Dreams

Born and raised in Gurugram, Aayan Chopra could have easily followed a conventional academic path. But what started as an internship at a cleantech NBFC, Metafin, turned into a full-fledged social-energy movement. During his field visits to rural villages, he witnessed firsthand how diesel-powered flour mills were not just economically draining but also emotionally exhausting, especially for women and children.

The constant roar of generators wasn’t just background noise; it was a barrier. A barrier to peace, learning, rest, and even health. That’s when Aayan asked the most important question — “What if we could power the same mills with clean solar energy?” And so, Project Surya Chakra was born. Its vision is bold yet simple — to decarbonise rural India, starting with one of the most common and essential agricultural tools: the chakki.

By July 2024, the first batch of solar-powered atta chakkis was up and running in rural Uttar Pradesh, including villages around Varanasi and Azamgarh. Each system now generates over 14,400 kWh of clean energy annually, cutting costs and noise while boosting livelihoods. On average, villagers have saved up to Rs. 25,000 a month in diesel expenses, often paying less in EMIs for the solar setup than what they previously spent on fuel.\

But this isn’t just about numbers. Inside quiet homes now powered by solar mills, women are breathing easier. Children are focusing better on their studies. And small-scale chakki owners are finding that less money on fuel means more profit in hand. What’s remarkable is how women are emerging as torchbearers of this transformation. Out of the 15 solar-powered chakkis installed so far, eight are owned and operated by women. Whether they meant to or not, they’re now inspiring others in their communities to explore this cleaner, quieter way of working.

From the technical side, Project Surya Chakra is anything but ordinary. These are not off-the-shelf solar kits. Aayan has worked with engineers to design customised solar solutions that can handle the high power loads of flour mills — something conventional rooftop systems struggle with. Plus, villagers are trained to maintain and troubleshoot these systems, making it a community-first initiative, not just a top-down solution. So far, over 5,000 rural workers have attended solar education workshops led by Aayan and his team. They break down how the panels work, how much energy they save, and — the clincher — how much money they’ll put back into their pockets. For many, it’s a lightbulb moment.

One Final Ray of Sunshine

What makes it truly path-breaking? Solar Power Without the Price Tag, each solar chakki generates about 14,400 kWh annually, helping owners cut diesel use by over 80%. That’s nearly Rs. 24,000 saved per month—money that goes straight back into the business. And thanks to customised loans from Metafin, these upgrades come with zero upfront cost.

Skill-Building and Safety First, mill workers receive hands-on training in solar panel operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting. Training content is delivered in Hindi, English, and Indian Sign Language, making it accessible to all. Safety modules cover everything from eye protection to dealing with wheat dust and even mustard gas exposure. Turning Students into Changemakers, beyond powering chakki mills, Surya Chakra is also empowering young minds. Students in Grades 6-10 are now learning about renewable energy through interactive workshops. A structured, first-of-its-kind curriculum on solar power is being developed with the goal of taking this education nationwide.

Environmental and Economic Impact, since launch, Project Surya Chakra has helped save over 13,000 litres of diesel, prevented 35,000 kg of CO₂ emissions, and unlocked over Rs. 43,00,000 in sustainable savings. In March 2025 alone, five more chakkis joined the solar movement, bringing the total to fifteen. Women and Families Benefit Too: With mills running more efficiently and quietly, women and children no longer have to deal with the constant noise and air pollution. Many families report better health, improved study environments, and more time to focus on other activities.

And this is just the beginning. The team is now working to train over 5,000 workers in solar tech across rural India through video-based modules and printed guides. Project Surya Chakra isn't just a renewable energy initiative—it's a grassroots movement empowering local entrepreneurs to take back control, run profitable businesses, and do it all while protecting the environment.

Project Surya Chakra is lighting up more than just homes. It’s lighting up hope, dignity, and pride in rural lives — all powered by a teenager’s belief that sunshine can change the world. If you ever wondered whether one person can make a difference, this solar-powered story just might be your answer.