Almitra Patel. Waste Warrior by Sharad Pandurang Kale. Published in 2024 by Granthali, 101, 1/B, The Nest, Pimpaleshwar Society, Manorama Nagarkar Marg, Opp. Star City Cinema, Mahim (W), Bombay 400016; email: granthalibook2@gmail.com. Pp: vii + 168. Price: Rs 400.
This book about Almitra Patel, authored by Sharad Pandurang Kale and published by Granthali, is the story of an individual who can be deemed a shining star. In the face of challenges, she has toiled for the conservation of the environment and the good of individuals who may not even know about her. We have but one life and we need to make the most of it, not only for the self but for those who may be less privileged, and also be a change maker and make a difference for the planet as a whole.
The book is a biography though its title may give the impression that it is only about waste management. True, Patel went all out to deal with solid waste management in a systematic, scientific manner, but that part of her life is described by the author in the second half of the book. The first half covers her life in detail. Erstwhile scientist at the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Kale is credited with developing Nisargruna, a technology for processing biodegradable waste.
It is interesting to learn that Patel’s paternal grandfather Hormusji Sidhwa worked in a liquor distillery using ingredients like rose petals, mahua flowers, orange peel and other exotic ingredients. But he was forced to shut down by the British when they set up their own distillery in Nasik. Overnight, the family became impoverished. Patel’s father, Pheroze, was compelled to spend his early childhood studying in a two-room school in Mora with just one teacher. Nevertheless, he worked hard and ultimately set up his own business, Bharat Tiles.
Top: Almitra Patel with sister Dilnavaz Variava;
above: Aviva, Hoshang, Simonil and Almitra Patel
Almitra developed a deep love for biology from a very young age as her father’s friend would take her to their garden and enthrall her with tales of caterpillars, chrysalises turning into butterflies and fascinating facts about trees and birds.
Her parents were pivotal in imbuing in her qualities that stood her in good stead throughout her life, and also in the upbringing of her own two daughters, Aviva and Simonil.
Indeed, Almitra’s life has been a rollercoaster ride, but grit, courage and resilience have enabled her to navigate the most complex situations.
Pheroze encouraged her to study engineering at a time when the subject was the privilege only of boys. She was the first girl in her institution but she overcame any awkwardness and earned her fellow-students’ admiration by achieving honors.
Almitra’s marriage to Hoshang Patel was an arranged one. In their early years together, they spent weekends roughing it out, hiking with a group with the quirky name The Leftovers.
Hoshang and Almitra decided it would be best for their daughters to grow up in a place where they could keep lots of pets and climb trees. So they bought a farmhouse some distance from their place of work in Bangalore.
Almitra set up several schools across the country. One of these schools was located in a two-storey building and had 12 rooms, built around the shaded groves of banyan trees. Another was set up in faraway Murshidabad, specially for the children of ragpickers.
Sharad Kale: pioneering technologist
Not only did Almitra toil for the family business of Bharat Tiles and later use her knowledge of ceramic engineering to help with her father’s grinding wheel industry, but she also undertook a prestigious project for the Gir Lions of Gujarat with the Bombay Natural History Society and Smithsonian Institution in USA. She had to come up with policy guidelines that would help protect the habitat.
Almitra also wrote poetry.
After retirement from the family business, she was jolted on realizing that the scenic countryside in Bangalore was being ruined because of the dumping of truckloads of garbage. She decided to campaign for a cleaner environment and studied the subject of solid waste management. She took up this role with great gusto, bending over backwards to bring about a cleaner, healthier environment, since the last two decades, even moving the court. Full credit goes to Raian Karanjawala and his team for 20 years of free legal services.
As the author writes, "Almitra works untiringly to achieve her dream of a civilized society which respects human rights and upholds the fundamental rights and freedoms of individuals.”
Her story is truly an inspiration to selflessly dedicate one’s life to achieving goals that benefit all. KATIE BAGLI
Bagli is an award winning children’s writer. She loves to weave her stories and poems around nature and wildlife. She is also educational director of the Jane Goodall Institute India.