In the heart of a bustling neighbourhood, where the sounds of life never seem to pause, three young minds from Anandnagar MPS School in Kurla in Mumbai found themselves longing for a place of stillness. Amidst the constant chatter of crowded homes, the blaring horns of traffic, and the ceaseless hum of daily life, they yearned for a space where they could retreat into silence, even if just for a little while. It was from this shared longing that the idea of the Silent Room was born—a sanctuary designed by children, for children, to escape the relentless noise of their surroundings.
Aliza Shaikh, Ananya,Sejal Kondapuram, and Janvi Vishwakarma, who named their team ‘Empathy’, understood that silence was not just a luxury but a necessity. Whether it was studying for exams, reading a book, or simply pausing for a moment of reflection, they believed that everyone deserved access to a quiet space. Their vision was simple yet profound: to create a self-contained, soundproof environment where one could find solace to study or relax amidst the chaos.
The team began by designing a model for their Silent Room, using clear acrylic walls to create a well-lit yet enclosed space. Inside, they thoughtfully incorporated a reading corner, a study area with shelves for books, and even a small pulley-operated tent that could be pulled down to form a private nap zone. The idea was to craft an oasis—one where the distractions of the outside world melted away, allowing an individual to focus, rest, or simply exist in peace.
However, turning their vision into reality was not without its challenges. Initially, the children had hoped to construct the room using glass for its soundproofing qualities, but they soon realised that it would be impractical and expensive. Acrylic became the more feasible option, balancing durability with affordability while still providing a sense of openness. The pulley tent, an innovative touch, allowed privacy within the enclosed space without making it feel confined.
As the model took shape, more questions emerged. Where would such a room be placed in their tightly packed community? Who would have access to it, and how would that access be managed? These were not mere technical concerns but broader questions of communal responsibility. The team understood that for their Silent Room to truly serve its purpose, it had to be more than just a structure—it had to become a shared resource, embraced by the community and maintained with care.
Despite these hurdles, the children pressed on, fuelled by their shared determination to bring their dream to life. They knew that even the smallest step towards a quieter, more peaceful space could make a world of difference. The Silent Room was not just about escaping noise; it was about reclaiming a sense of control in an environment that often felt overwhelming. It was about proving that, even as children, they had the power to imagine and create solutions that could improve the quality of life for themselves and those around them.
At its core, the Silent Room was a reminder that sometimes, the most powerful ideas come not from grand innovations but from simple, heartfelt needs. And in their quest for silence, these children had created something truly profound—a place where peace could be found, even in the midst of the noisiest of worlds.
MuSo and Standard Chartered played a key role in making this project happen with their strong support and guidance.
