"Dream, Dream, Dream! Conduct these dreams into thoughts, and then transform them into action."
- Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam
10 Jul 2025
Dungar Singh’s life changed one fateful evening when a power failure disrupted him. Frustrated and stranded, he decided he had had enough of unreliable electricity. It was a humble beginning, but in that moment, the idea of harnessing wind energy took root in his mind—no fancy labs, just a dream.
Dungar Singh comes from a small village in Barmer, Rajasthan, a region known for its vast desert landscapes and harsh living conditions. Life here is tough, with frequent power cuts and limited access to modern technology. Despite these challenges, the village is full of hardworking and hopeful people like Dungar, who dream big and find creative ways to improve their lives. Growing up in this environment gave Dungar a unique perspective and strong determination to create affordable and sustainable solutions for his community. His success is a shining example of how even from the simplest beginnings, great innovations can emerge to change the world.
Leaving the Classroom to Learn From the World
With no engineering degree and no financial backing, Dungar dropped out of school and turned to the internet. He meticulously watched YouTube videos on turbines, gears, and renewable energy. He connected with local innovators, learning through observation, trial, and community support. Slowly, an idea took shape: a simple, effective, rooftop-friendly windmill. In a small workshop in Barmer, Dungar began constructing his invention. He took loans from friends, did temperature-scorching oil deliveries, and worked 18-hour days. His family, on the edge of financial insecurity, questioned the sanity of investing borrowed money. Yet, Dungar persisted, driven by sheer will and belief in his vision.
The result? A portable, 1kW windmill that can be installed on rooftops, crafted for just ₹50,000. Elegantly simple and robust, this windmill works even at low wind speeds. It can operate for up to 20 years, providing free electricity for households that struggle or want to slash power bills. It wasn’t just groundbreaking; it was affordable. In his own village, Dungar installed the first model. Families that once suffered blackouts now have reliable lighting and device-drive power. A teacher could continue grading papers after sunset, a medical clinic could run a refrigerator, and a family could cook and study without fearing power cuts. It was more than technology; it was dignity, independence, and hope.
Today, Dungar Singh is the leader of Sunwind Innovative, a renewable energy startup pushing his windmill into over twenty countries. From low-income rural areas to off-grid islands, the need for clean, reliable energy is universal. What makes this windmill revolutionary isn’t just its affordability or portability; it's its elegant design. Built using locally available materials and straightforward engineering principles, it can be maintained by homeowners themselves. It’s an innovation that scales, empowers, and adapts—without dependence on outsiders. He learned electrical wiring, blade physics, and turbine mechanics. Every prototype taught him something new, and every failure refined his design. It’s a story of self-belief, perseverance, and community.
Energy Independence: Communities can rely less on erratic central grids or costly fuels.
Affordability: At ₹50,000, it’s reachable for small families and NGOs alike.
Sustainability: No emissions, low maintenance, and decades of service.
Empowerment: Knowledge transfers to local communities so owners can maintain them.
Inspiration: Dungar’s journey lights the way for self-taught innovators everywhere.
Rarely do we see stories where simplicity and a smartness create waves across continents. From managing with a power cut in Barmer to sending windmills across borders, Dungar Singh’s journey speaks to innovation rooted in empathy. In a world chasing high-tech breakthroughs, sometimes the most transformative inventions are rustic, humble, and human. This is not just the story of a windmill; it’s the story of one man’s unwavering belief in change.