Anant National University recently hosted a special guest lecture by Dr Rajendra Singh, renowned as the ‘Waterman of India.’ Dr Singh shared his insights on the urgent water crisis and emphasised the need for community engagement in sustainable practices. The event attracted a diverse audience, including students, faculty and environmental enthusiasts.
During the lecture, Dr Singh underscored the critical role of community-driven approaches, traditional knowledge, innovation and adaptability in addressing the pressing challenges of water scarcity and climate change. He highlighted that while the water crisis is a global issue, the solutions lie in local, collaborative efforts. Drawing on India’s rich heritage, Dr Singh encouraged students to cultivate a deeper respect and connection with nature grounded in traditional wisdom.
A key figure in the water conservation movement, Dr Singh’s work with the NGO Tarun Bharat Sangh (TBS) has revitalised over 1,200 water-starved villages and helped reverse rural migration caused by droughts and floods. His pioneering efforts in rainwater harvesting, particularly the traditional johad (percolation ponds) technique, have restored water sources and supported over one million farmers and villagers in returning to their homelands.
Recipient of prestigious accolades such as the Ramon Magsaysay Award and the Stockholm Water Prize, Dr Singh concluded his talk by underscoring the necessity of protecting and rejuvenating rivers and wells, reminding the audience that no civilisation can flourish without healthy, flowing rivers.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr Anunaya Chaubey, Provost, Anant National University, said, “Dr Singh is a true solutionary, someone whose innovative efforts have transformed many lives by addressing pressing societal challenges. His work exemplifies the kind of impact-driven approach we cultivate at Anant, training young designers to devise solutions to real-world problems to make an impact on society. We look forward to a long and productive collaboration with him.”