How Living in Delhi Turned Me Into a Climate Crisis Paranoid (and Why You Should Be One Too)

Forget alarm clocks. The first thing I notice each morning is the gritty taste of the air in my mouth reminder that, in Delhi, even breathing feels like a risk. I pull back the curtain and see my housing complex shrouded in a thick, gray haze. It’s not winter fog. It’s PM2.5, PM10, and a cocktail of invisible poisons. Welcome to Delhi—where the air is so toxic, you can almost chew it, and the Yamuna, once a sacred river, now looks like a slow-moving chemical spill.

I’m not just worried about the climate crisis. I’m obsessed. I’m paranoid. And if you lived here, you would be too.

What Is the Climate Crisis, Really?

Let’s get this straight: the climate crisis isn’t just about melting ice caps or polar bears stranded on shrinking floes. It’s the slow, relentless breakdown of the systems that make life possible. It’s heatwaves that melt roads, floods that drown cities, droughts that turn fields to dust, and air so foul it shaves years off your life. It’s the Yamuna, black and bubbling with industrial waste, and the air in Delhi, thick with a million exhaust pipes’ worth of poison.

The climate crisis is not coming. It’s already here. It’s the invisible hand squeezing your lungs, the silent thief stealing your future. Don’t know why I remember reading “Silent Spring” in 70s.

Why Is It So Damn Hard to Feel in India?

Here’s the thing: in India, we’re experts at surviving chaos. We dodge potholes, leap over open drains, and navigate a daily barrage of noise, crowds, and confusion. We’re so busy hustling for the next meal, the next job, the next breath, that we barely notice the slow-motion apocalypse unfolding around us.

The climate crisis is a slow burn, not a sudden explosion. It’s hard to panic about something that creeps in quietly—one degree hotter, one bad air day at a time. Plus, when you’re surrounded by 33 million people in Delhi, it’s easy to think, “If everyone else is coping, maybe it’s not so bad.”

We are like a fish who doesn’t know that she is swimming in polluted water as it is her home.

But here’s the truth: just because we’re used to surviving doesn’t mean we’re immune.

Are You Really Affected? Here’s How to Know

Still think the crisis is “out there”? Let’s do a quick reality check:

• Do you cough more in winter? That’s not a cold—it’s pollution.
• Does your skin itch after a shower? Thank the Yamuna’s toxic brew.
• Do you feel tired, foggy, or anxious for no reason? Chronic exposure to bad air can do that.
• Have you noticed more people with asthma, allergies, or heart problems? That’s the climate crisis, up close and personal.
• Do you dread stepping outside during a heatwave? Welcome to the new normal.

If you ticked any of these, congratulations: you’re already living the crisis.

Can AI Save Us? (Or At Least Help Us Breathe?)

I’m a tech optimist, I have to admit: AI might be our best shot at fighting back. Here’s how:

• Hyper-local Air Quality Alerts: AI-powered apps can give you real-time air quality data, right down to your street. No more guessing—know when to mask up or stay indoors. I will liberally fund an Indian startup doing work like Aclima. Dr. Arkopal Goswami @IIT Khargpur – Are you listening?
• Smart Water Monitoring: AI can track pollution levels in rivers like the Yamuna, alerting authorities (and us) before things get worse.
• Climate Prediction: Machine learning can spot patterns in weather, helping us prepare for floods, heatwaves, and droughts before they hit.
• Policy Nudges: AI can analyze massive data sets to show policymakers what’s working (and what’s not), pushing for smarter, faster action.
• Personalized Health Tips: AI-driven apps can suggest when to exercise, what to eat, and how to protect your lungs—based on your location and health profile.

But let’s be real: AI is a tool, not a magic wand. It can help us adapt, maybe even slow the damage, but it can’t fix what’s already broken. That’s on us.

Micro Survival Guide: How to Handle the Apocalypse in Delhi

If you’re still reading, you’re probably as paranoid as I am. Good. Here’s how to survive (for now):

1. Mask Up—Always

N95 masks aren’t just for pandemics. They’re your daily armor against Delhi’s air. Wear one every time you step outside.

2. Seal Your Home

Invest in air purifiers. Use wet mops, not brooms. Keep windows closed during peak pollution hours (usually mornings and evenings).

3. Drink (Filtered) Water

Don’t trust the tap. Use a high-quality water filter, and if possible, get your water tested regularly.

4. Green Your Space

Grow indoor plants like snake plant, aloe vera, or money plant. They won’t fix the air, but every little bit helps.

5. Stay Informed

Download air quality and weather apps. Follow local climate news. Knowledge is power.

6. Push for Change

Join local clean-up drives. Support environmental NGOs. Vote for leaders who take climate seriously. Your voice matters.

7. Prepare for Extremes

Keep an emergency kit—water, masks, basic meds, a flashlight. Delhi’s chaos can turn deadly fast.

Final Word: Don’t Get Used to This

The scariest part of the climate crisis isn’t the heat, the smog, or the toxic river. It’s the way we learn to live with it. We normalize the apocalypse, one bad air day at a time.

Don’t. Get. Used. To. This.

Get angry. Get paranoid. Get involved. Because if we don’t fight for our future, no one else will.

Delhi isn’t just my home—it’s ground zero for the slowest, deadliest crisis humanity has ever faced. If you’re not worried, you’re not paying attention. And if you are, welcome to the club. Let’s survive, and maybe even fight back, together.

We are thrilled to announce that Nexus 3P Foundation has made its inaugural investment commitment to Scholarlify, marking a significant milestone in our journey to empower transformative ventures in India.

At Nexus 3P Foundation, our mission is to catalyze positive impact by backing visionary founders who are solving real-world problems with scalable, sustainable solutions. Scholarlify embodies this spirit with its innovative approach and commitment to educational transformation.

Why Scholarlify?

Scholarlify aligns perfectly with our investment thesis—focusing on high-potential, purpose-driven startups that leverage technology for societal impact. We believe their work will set new benchmarks in the edtech landscape and create lasting value for learners and educators and donors alike.

Download Our Investment Thesis

To all founders and funders: We invite you to explore our detailed investment thesis, which outlines our guiding principles, focus sectors, and evaluation criteria. Download it here for insights into how we select and support impactful ventures:

👉 nexus3p.org/#thesis

Connect With Us

Whether you are building a breakthrough solution or seeking to co-invest in the next wave of impactful building transformative deep tech solutions startups, we would love to connect. Let’s shape the future together—reach out to us and join our mission to drive meaningful change.

Together, let’s invest in ideas that matter.

#Nexus3PFoundation #ImpactInvesting #EdTech #StartupIndia #InvestmentThesis #Scholarlify #SocialImpact

I’ve never been much of a writer—preferring to let our incredible partners, teammates, and volunteers take the spotlight. But some stories demand to be told by the person who lived them. This is one of them.

Maybe it’s nostalgia kicking in (hello, midlife!), but this isn’t just a trip down memory lane. It’s a love letter to an adventure that changed me—and, I hope, left a tiny dent in the universe.

How It All Began

Let’s keep it real: The Wingify Foundation wasn’t born from some grand corporate manifesto. It started with a “Well, we have to do this… so let’s do it right.”

Back in 2009, my son Paras bootstrapped Wingify into existence. By 2010, we were officially a company—him coding, selling, and hustling; me handling the “unglamorous” but crucial back-end work (accounting, legal, ops—you get the drill). We were profitable from Day 1, which was thrilling… until our auditor dropped a bombshell: “Congrats, you’re now big enough for mandatory CSR!”

Year 1? We took the easy route—cutting a cheque to the PM’s Relief Fund (and sending our poor CA on a wild goose chase for a receipt). Year 2? We funded an NGO… and quickly realized good intentions ≠ good impact. Frustrated (and honestly, a little ashamed), we decided: If we’re going to do this, we’re doing it OUR way.

And so, in 2015, the Wingify Foundation was born.

From Rural Roots to Fighting for the Air We Breathe

Our early days were all about rural development—food, farming, skilling, even winning a national CSR award. Then COVID hit. Overnight, we pivoted to saving lives: oxygen cylinders, hospital wards, vaccination drives.

But post-pandemic, a book (Doing Good Better by William MacAskill) slapped me awake: Climate change is the fight of our lifetime. So we went all-in on Delhi’s toxic air—because if we couldn’t fix the whole planet, we could at least move the needle where we stood. Don’t take my word for it—our partners, scrappy team, and die-hard volunteers did the heavy lifting. See the magic here.

Why This Goodbye Hurts (And Excites Me)

A few months ago, I stepped down as Wingify’s trustee. It’s bittersweet—this Foundation was my heartwork, not just homework. I never took a salary, but the rewards? Immeasurable.

Now? I’m doubling down on impact—with a twist.

What’s Next: Nexus 3P Foundation

Impact investing isn’t charity. It’s betting on solutions that outlive us. That’s why we’ve launched Nexus 3P (Planet, People, and your choice of the third P—Purpose? Peace? Positive? Possible? Peace? Prosperous? Profit? You pick.).

We’re building a launchpad for sustainable agriculture, environmental tech, and public health innovation—because the future isn’t just coming; it’s ours to shape.

Join Us (If You Dare)

This isn’t for everyone. But if you’re:

• A fearless builder (founders, we need you),
• A data-obsessed truth-seeker (IQ won’t scare you),
• A relentless connector (coalitions > clout),
• A strategic fundraiser (money moves missions),

…then let’s talk.

We’re recruiting interns, dreamers, and doers—full-time, part-time, Delhi-based or remote. Want a resume that says “I played it safe”? Cool. But if you’d rather leave a legacy, drop us a line.

The world doesn’t need more followers. It needs architects of change.

Ready to build? → reachout@nexus3p.org

(And to every soul who walked this journey with me—thank you. This isn’t goodbye. It’s “See you in the trenches.”)

 Let’s go.

Welcome to the exciting world of EcoNagri, where gaming meets environmental consciousness! Whether you’re a city planner at heart or a sustainability enthusiast, EcoNagri offers a unique blend of fun and learning, making it the perfect choice for anyone passionate about building a better future. Dive into a game that not only entertains but also educates on the delicate balance between urban development and environmental preservation.

What is EcoNagri?

EcoNagri is an innovative game developed by Wingify Earth, designed to simulate the challenges and rewards of building a thriving, sustainable city. The game allows players to become virtual urban planners, making strategic decisions that affect the air quality index (AQI) and gross domestic product (GDP) of their city. With each decision, players learn the impact of urban activities on the environment, making it a great educational tool for all ages.

Why Play EcoNagri?

Educational and Fun: EcoNagri combines the excitement of city-building games with educational elements that raise awareness about sustainability. It’s a great way to learn about environmental issues while enjoying the thrill of gameplay.

Strategic Gameplay: Every choice in EcoNagri impacts your city’s development and its environment. From placing parks to reduce air pollution to deciding on the placement of industrial zones, the game challenges you to think critically and plan strategically.

Diverse Building Options: Players can construct various types of buildings, each with different effects on the city’s AQI and GDP. This includes parks, solar farms, research facilities, and more, allowing for diverse strategies and cityscapes.

Engaging Challenges: The game is filled with engaging challenges that keep you on your toes. Whether it’s managing resources or responding to environmental crises, EcoNagri keeps gameplay exciting and dynamic.

How EcoNagri Promotes Environmental Awareness
EcoNagri is not just a game; it’s a movement towards more sustainable urban planning practices. By simulating real-world environmental issues, the game provides a platform for players to understand the consequences of various urban development choices. This awareness is crucial in educating the next generation of planners and environmental advocates.

Join the EcoNagri Community

By playing EcoNagri, you join a community of like-minded individuals who are passionate about making a difference. Wingify Earth offers a platform where players can share experiences, strategies, and learnings from the game, fostering a community that supports and promotes environmental sustainability.

Your City, Your Impact

Imagine building a city where every decision you make contributes to its health and prosperity. In EcoNagri, your city’s success is measured not just by economic achievements but also by how well you maintain a healthy environment. This makes playing EcoNagri a rewarding experience, as every level up signifies a step towards more sustainable living practices.

Conclusion

EcoNagri is more than just a game; it’s a tool for change. By engaging with this game, you’re not only enjoying a world of strategic city-building but also contributing to a broader conversation about sustainable development. Ready to build your dream city and make a tangible impact on the planet? Play EcoNagri today and start your journey towards a greener, more sustainable future.

Join us at EcoNagri to start building your eco-friendly city now!

There is little doubt that air pollution is a complex issue with multiple emission sources deeply enmeshed with rapid urbanization. These sources include vehicular pollution, construction and dust, manufacturing and small-scale industry promotion, use of fossil fuels, power generation, biomass burning, and conventional forms of agriculture. Air pollution debilitatingly impacts public health, the economy, climate change, and the environment.

While it is predominantly regarded as an urban issue, there is growing recognition that it dispels devastation over more expansive geography and rapidly rises in smaller towns as they grow. 93% of India lives in areas below the WHO safety standards. We believe that to bring about change, short-term policies and knee-jerk reactions should be replaced by a long-term sustainable alternative to peoples’ lives and lifestyles, urban governance, infrastructure, power generation, and public transport with people’s participation. Educating, sensitizing, and providing a vocabulary of these issues and solutions to the younger generation is essential. Deliberate long-term strategies, build sustainable solutions and prioritize the planet’s prosperity over short-term needs.

Toward this end, Wingify Foundation commissioned Civic Games Lab to develop a board game on air pollution to highlight the dynamics, plan, and need for addressing climate change and air pollution on a priority basis.

Have a board game club that would like to play Fixit? Drop a few words to me at reachout@wingifyfoundation.org and tell us the names of eight players who follow us on LinkedIn or Twitter @wingifyearth so we may send you a game box.