Meet the Man Who Quit His Job in London To Recycle 6 Lakh Litres of Greywater in Indian Schools

Leaving behind a stable and lucrative job in London is not a decision many would make lightly. But for environmental entrepreneur Satyajit Ramdas, the calling to return to India and address one of its most pressing challenges—water scarcity—was too powerful to ignore.

Disturbed by the widespread water crisis in rural India, particularly in schools where sanitation was poor and access to clean water limited, Satyajit chose purpose over paycheck. He returned home with a vision to turn everyday wastewater—greywater—into a source of hope.

Greywater, which comes from sinks, kitchen use, and bathing, often goes to waste. But Satyajit saw potential where others saw pollution. He began developing low-cost, scalable greywater recycling systems specifically designed for Indian schools. These systems would collect, treat, and repurpose greywater for flushing toilets and maintaining school gardens.

His mission was not only about saving water—it was about creating sustainable ecosystems within schools. In places where running water was a luxury and hygiene was compromised, his intervention changed the game.

Over the course of just a few years, his innovation has successfully recycled more than 6 lakh litres of greywater across dozens of government and low-income schools in Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Telangana. These efforts have drastically improved school sanitation, reduced water bills, and instilled awareness among students about conservation.

Beyond the technology, Satyajit’s work includes training teachers and children on responsible water use, helping build a generation that is not only educated but also environmentally conscious. His systems are cost-effective, require minimal maintenance, and have been designed to be managed by schools themselves after installation.

Today, Satyajit stands as an example of how one person’s decision to prioritize impact over income can lead to transformative change. From corporate boardrooms in London to classrooms in rural India, his journey is a story of purpose, persistence, and the belief that sustainable solutions must start where they are needed most.

He didn't just recycle water. He recycled hope, opportunity, and a future for thousands of schoolchildren.