JAIPUR: A wise man had once remarked, “Science is a way of thinking much more than it is a body of knowledge.” These words resonate with Sudipti Arora, a successful biotechnologist and research scientist with a PhD in environmental engineering from IIT Roorkee who is on a mission to take science from labs to life.
With a deep belief in environmental responsibility, Sudipti works in the field of waste management to create a zero-waste ecosystem. She collaborates with schools, colleges, industries, housing societies, and government departments on sustainability, climate action, and environmental awareness. Her work ensures that daily household waste is decomposed and transformed into useful resources—closing the loop of consumption and waste.
After completing her PhD, she briefly taught as a lecturer in an engineering college. But a voice inside urged her to do more. She left her teaching job to join her family’s initiative—Doctor B Lal Group Clinical Laboratories and Institute of Biotechnology—as Director. Here, she heads the research and development wing and leads programs that train students in advanced biotechnology at undergraduate and postgraduate levels.
But what prompted her to pivot to the cause? During an ordinary lecture in 2020, on solid waste management, a student challenged Sudipti’s beliefs, saying the reality was far removed from what she taught. But rather than snubbing him or dismissing his argument, Sudipti decided to explore the subject. He took her to his village, where she witnessed firsthand the use of untreated wastewater in farming.
She was shocked. It dawned on Sudipti that much of the science being taught in classrooms was not tailored to local conditions. “If research doesn’t translate into action that benefits common people, what good is it?” she asked herself.
Determined to usher in positive change, she founded the Prakrit Foundation, launching a project titled ‘Transforming a village in Rajasthan into a zero-waste model using green technology’. Navigating a long and difficult process to secure support for the cause, she presented it to the Government of India.
From vision to reality: The zero waste village project
Then came the day she had waited for. A letter from the Department of Science and Technology arrived, approving ₹2 crore in funding for her project. Her dream was finally taking flight.
But joy quickly turned to disbelief. On the very same day, Sudipti received another letter—her cancer screening report. She had been diagnosed with Stage 2 cancer.
“I didn’t know whether to laugh or cry,” she recalls. “But I took it as a message from the universe: don’t stop.”
She had three years to complete the project. Between chemotherapy and radiation, she began traveling to rural areas, meeting people, conducting training sessions, and changing mindsets. Teaching villagers about waste segregation, menstrual hygiene, and composting wasn’t easy. But with compassion, innovation, and persistent efforts, she broke through social and cultural barriers.
Ground-level innovation and success
In Andhi village, Rajasthan, her project brought about three major changes: Vermi-filter technology using earthworms for waste treatment at the hospital; biogas plant in the local school; and constructed wetlands to naturally treat sewage water
This model soon expanded to four more villages, including Jahota near Jaipur. Here, the sarpanch, Shyam Singh, became a strong supporter, and Sudipti launched a Youth Volunteer Program, training 50–60 rural youth in sustainability, fieldwork, and data collection.
To enhance rural education, she also started an after-school program in Jahota for 120 children. Through online platforms and expert faculty, students now learn English, Hindi, and Mathematics in an engaging way. Value education, art, meditation, and life skills are also part of the curriculum. Learn to Read is her teaching partner in this effort.
In parallel, Sudipti is working with farmers to promote organic farming, providing them with soil testing, bio-pesticide training, and market linkage through an organization called Krishi Moolya. The goal is to shift 100 farmers to organic methods, and 25 have already begun.
Urban revolution and patented technology
While working in rural areas, villagers often told Sudipti, “Why are you cleaning our village when your city is the dirtiest?” This sparked her next mission—the Urban Revolution Project. She developed DIY compost kits and a “magic powder” containing specific bacteria to enhance composting. This initiative, in partnership with municipal corporations, societies, and corporates, is aimed at ensuring kitchen waste stays at home and returns to the soil.
“If we eat from the soil, we must return to it,” she says. “The first step is simple—separate wet and dry waste.”
Her vermi-filter technology, now patented, is being scaled across urban homes and institutions. She regularly conducts zero-waste awareness sessions in schools, targeting teachers, principals, and students alike.
A story of resilience, purpose, and people-powered science
Despite her health battles, Sudipti continues to lead with purpose. She is now documenting her professional and personal journey in a book. Reflecting on her path, she says, “If I had become a doctor, I might have helped one person at a time. But biotechnology has given me a wide lens—whether it's health, agriculture, or environment, I can address real issues on a large scale.”
“I don’t want to stop. When I wake up, ideas flood my mind, and I begin turning them into reality. Every youth and child should have that fire. If they do, nothing can stop them.”
Dr. Sudipti's journey is not just one of academic and scientific success, but of emotional strength, grassroots transformation, and unwavering belief in the power of science for social good. From the lab bench to the village soil—and all while fighting cancer—her story shines with inspiration.