In April 2024, the heatwave in North India was so severe that we, sitting in our classrooms with proper air conditioners running at 22°C and fans on full speed, were still not able to focus because of the heat. That led us to thinking, if we can't focus despite being in such privileged backgrounds, under-resourced schools that lack even basic facilities wouldn't be able to survive. That’s when we knew we had to do something. We visited a nearby government school and found classrooms made of bare concrete, with no ventilation, no fans, and children trying to learn through the heat. That visit changed everything. Since then, our work has been guided by three core principles: sustainability, energy efficiency, and cost-effectiveness.
Project Vaayu offers an eco-friendly solution by reusing terracotta chai cups (called kulhads) to create coolers based on the principle of evaporative cooling. It has successfully been able to lower temperatures by 6-10°C, and significantly reduce electricity consumption. These coolers are made from reused material, including scrap wood, reused chai cups which make it a sustainable solution to rising temperatures.
Project Vaayu aims to promote better learning environments for children in underprivileged schools to allow them to thrive both academically and socially. Their goal is to build sustainable coolers in 10 government primary schools this year, for which they would be using this grant, if awarded.
Mentorship would be crucial for effectively scaling Project Vaayu and maximizing the grant's potential. With your guidance, Project Vaayu could expand to more than just Delhi- NCR, and create a strategic plan for expanding to additional schools, with the help of other large scale NGOs and projects. Additionally, under your guidance, they could make this unique solution further cost effective. With the right mentorship, Project Vaayu can transform from a local initiative from one government primary school in Gurgaon into a scalable, sustainable solution that benefits communities throughout India.
Project Vaayu has grown through a strong student-led volunteer program that engages peers in both construction and climate education. Our volunteer network of 10–15 students helps collect discarded terracotta cups from local vendors, build and install coolers, and conduct climate-awareness workshops in government schools. So far, we have installed five sustainable coolers across four schools, directly improving classroom environments for over 400 children. Each installation is accompanied by educational sessions where students learn about sustainable cooling and climate resilience, creating ripple effects of awareness and action. Project Vaayu continues to expand through school partnerships, peer-led campaigns, and recognition at national and international innovation platforms, inspiring other young people to replicate the model in their own communities.
Because of this impact and scalability, Project Vaayu has been recognized at four major platforms: Youth for Earth (South Asia level), Girl Up GirlTank (South Asia level), Innovator Award, and the India Innovation Challenge 2025 (National level) for innovation, sustainability, and social impact.
Yes, we’ve made key improvements since our first prototype. Early designs faced issues like water leakage due to reused wooden frames. To solve this, we sealed joints using silica and reinforced the frame with steel rods for stability. We also refined water flow to optimize cooling efficiency while minimizing energy use. These modifications increased durability and performance while maintaining the system’s sustainability and low cost goals. Each version of Project Vaayu has become more reliable, efficient, and easier to replicate in different school settings.
Project Vaayu’s design is simple, low-cost, and replicable. The system works on the ancient Indian principle of evaporative cooling, traditionally used in terracotta matkas to keep water cool. To build your own, you’ll need recycled terracotta cups (kulhads), a wooden or metal frame, a small motor or water pump, and a basic water circulation setup. Water flows over stacked terracotta cups, which absorb and slowly release it through evaporation, cooling the surrounding air. The structure can be powered by minimal electricity and assembled with easily available materials. Our team is happy to share blueprints, assembly instructions, and data with schools or organizations interested in implementing the model in their region, and we're very eager to spread India's ancient scientific tradition to other parts of the world!
