In a small village in Barmer district, Rajasthan, a 13-year-old boy named Arjun Singh has done something extraordinary. Using locally available materials and less than ₹800 in parts, Arjun invented a solar-powered water purification device that can clean contaminated groundwater — providing safe drinking water to families in areas where clean water has always been a luxury. His invention has now reached over 60,000 families across five states, and he has been invited to present it at the United Nations.
The Problem He Solved
Barmer district faces severe water quality issues. The groundwater is contaminated with fluoride, arsenic, and bacteria, causing widespread health problems. Government water supply is irregular and unreliable. Commercial water purifiers cost thousands of rupees and require electricity — unavailable to most rural families.
Arjun had watched family members fall sick from contaminated water all his life. “I wanted to find a solution that anyone could use, using things they could find nearby and afford,” he told India BBC News during an exclusive interview.
How the Invention Works
Arjun’s device uses a simple solar-powered UV light system combined with layers of sand, charcoal, and gravel filtration to purify water without chemicals or expensive filters. The entire system can be built in two hours using locally available materials. One device can purify up to 200 liters of water per day — enough for a family of five.
Crucially, the design is completely open-source — Arjun has refused to patent it, insisting that it should be free for anyone who needs it.
Recognition and Impact
Arjun’s invention won the National Science Innovation Award in 2025, bringing him to national attention. UNICEF India has partnered with his school to scale up production of the devices. He has received scholarship offers from IIT Delhi and several international universities. Prime Minister Modi personally congratulated Arjun and referenced his invention in a Mann Ki Baat episode.
When asked about his ambitions, Arjun’s answer was simple: “I want to make sure every child in India has clean water to drink. After that, maybe the whole world.”
Arjun’s story reminds us that innovation is not the exclusive domain of universities and corporations — sometimes the most powerful solutions come from the most unexpected places.
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