Rajendra Singh Biography 
Rajendra Singh is a well-known water conservationist from Rajasthan popularly known as the "Waterman of India". He is a recipient of the prestigious Ramon Magsaysay Award for community leadership in 2001. Currently he runs Tarun Bharat Sangh, an NGO best known for doing ecological research and land development to provide clean water to inhabitants. TBS was founded by a group of students and professors from the University of Rajasthan in 1975. He is also a member of National Ganga River Basin Authority since 2009. In 2008, his name was included by The Guardian in the list of its list of "50 people who could save the planet".
He was born in Daula village in Bagpat district of UP in the year 1959. He was born in a Rajput Zamindar family, eldest of 7 kids. His father was a Zamindar and agriculturist. He was deeply influenced by Ramesh Sharma, a member of Gandhi Peace Foundation who visited the school. Since then his mind got drawn towards rural and village improvement aiming at cleaning and eradication of alcoholism. He completed degree in Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery from Bhartiya Rishikul Ayurvedic Mahavidyalaya College Baraut. He joined Chatra Yuva Sangarsh Vahini and became its leader.
He started his professional career in government sector in 1980. He joined TBS and after three years became General Secretary of organisation. Johads – the traditional water harvesting structures started with a single village in Rajasthan have spread to many villages, changing the face of Rajasthan. Under his efforts the dying river Ruparel started flowing perennially almost after 3 decades. This ‘rain catcher’ had to face a lot of troubles in these attempts. He has also done campaigns for water-soil-forest and an active member of NGRBA.
Published: N/A
Updated: October 01, 2014
