Dr Janak Palta McGilligan, residing in Sanawadia near Indore, India's cleanest city, has devoted her life to environmental conservation. Her inspiring journey serves as a powerful example of sustainable living, rural development, and women's empowerment. Widely recognised as the 'Queen of Sustainability,' Dr Janak Palta lives a zero-waste lifestyle and has motivated thousands to embrace environmental consciousness.

An Example of Zero-Waste Living

Janak Palta's home is a true model of zero-waste living, where no waste ever leaves her house. Her efforts have revolutionised the concepts of environmental conservation and sustainability.

Zero electricity bill

Janak's home is powered by a windmill, which not only provides electricity for her house but also generates energy for 50 other homes in the surrounding area.

Self-reliance

Janak Palta cultivates vegetables, lentils, rice, and spices in her garden. The only items she buys are tea, salt, and jaggery. Her garden is home to 160 trees and 13 different crops. For cooking, she uses a solar cooker and bricks made from cow dung and newspapers.

Not a drop of water wasted

Water from her kitchen and washbasin is directly channelled to her garden, ensuring not a single drop of water goes to waste.

No use of plastic and disposables

Janak avoids plastic and disposable materials altogether. She makes all her personal care products, including face packs, shampoo, soap, and toothpaste, from natural ingredients herself.

Background

In 1964, when Janak was just 15 years old, she faced severe heart problems. By the age of 17, she had to undergo open-heart surgery, with doctors giving her only six months to live. However, a doctor from Canada performed the surgery, giving her a second chance at life. This life-altering experience inspired Janak to dedicate her life to serving society and protecting nature.

Born into a Punjabi family, Janak was raised in Chandigarh. She completed her MA in English Literature and Political Science and also earned a Sangeet Visharad in Sitar. Later, she pursued an MPhil and PhD in Political Science. Early in her career, she worked at the Provident Fund Office, the High Court, and the Rural Industrial Development Centre. However, she soon left her professional career to dedicate her life to social work, making it her true calling.

Barli Development Institute for Rural Women

In 1985, Janak Palta, alongside her Irish husband, Jimmy McGilligan, founded the Barli Development Institute for Rural Women. This institute focused on empowering tribal and rural women. For 25 years, Janak trained women in solar cooking and sustainable farming practices. Through the institute, she successfully trained over 6,000 women from more than 1,000 villages, equipping them with valuable skills in solar cooking and environmental conservation.

Honoured with Padma Shri

In 2015, the Government of India honoured Janak Palta with the Padma Shri award for her outstanding contributions to social work and environmental conservation. After the passing of her husband in 2011, Janak chose to settle in Sanawadia, where she transformed her home into a fully sustainable residence. Known as the 'Queen of Sustainability,' Janak Palta has become a symbol of environmental protection and sustainable living. Affectionately referred to as 'Janak Didi,' her life serves as a powerful inspiration to all those committed to environmental conservation.