The idea behind Mitticool:

• During the 2001 earthquake, all earthen pots were broken. Some people told me the poor people's refrigerators are broken. They referred to the 'matkas' (pots) as refrigerators.

It struck me then that I must try to make a fridge for those who cannot afford to buy a fridge. The patent winning Mitticool has been the most challenging product for him. It needed a lot of experimenting. He started work on it in 2001, the product was finally ready by 2004.

The refrigerator can store water, fruits, vegetables for 8 days.

The upper part of the refrigerator stores water, while the bottom unit has space for fruits, vegetables and milk.

Mitticool was showcased at a conference organized by the Centre for India and Global Business, Judge Business School , University of Cambridge , UK in May 2009.

The recognition:  Mansukhbhai Prajapati with APJ Abdul Kalam.

Mansukh bhai had never imagined that his products would win him so many accolades. Nothing can be as rewarding as such compliments. Money is nothing compared to people's appreciation. "Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi knows me by my name. He has been very supportive and told me to approach him for any problem," he says.

Scientists and journalists from across the world have visited his unit to see how he makes eco-friendly products at a low cost.