Rajesh Makwana

Indian social entrepreneur solving water crises through community innovation

Rajesh Makwana's Aravind Jal initiative has provided clean water to over 2 million people in India's drought-prone regions since 2020. His breakthrough came with the Rainwater Harvesting Pyramid system, a low-cost structure that captures and purifies rainwater. Deployed in 1,200 villages by 2024, this design won the 2023 UN Water Innovation Prize.

Makwana developed a unique funding model using cryptocurrency donations through his WaterChain platform. Each blockchain transaction funds construction of a new water tower, creating transparent accountability. His 2022 TED Talk "Drops to Droughts: Blockchain for Water Equity" has become a case study in social finance.

In 2024, he expanded to Africa through partnerships with UNICEF, adapting the pyramid system for desert climates. Makwana's team also created the first water literacy curriculum taught in 8 regional languages. His work directly contributed to a 40% reduction in waterborne diseases in project areas between 2020-2024.