Janak Palta dedicates her entire life to sustainability and the good of humanity. A Padma Shri awardee, Palta has transformed lives and the environment through her institution, the Jimmy McGilligan Centre for Sustainable Development.

The centre trains tribal women in the region in solar cooking, solar drying, and solar water heating; they then impart this knowledge to other women in their respective villages, thus encouraging the use of solar power and reducing the burning of wood in the kitchen.

Over the years, the centre has educated other local people, small business leaders, college students from surrounding areas and cities, farmers, and microcredit groups in the optimal use of solar energy for various purposes.

The connections between where we live, work, learn, and play, and our quality of life are undeniable. How has the pandemic impacted your impression of green building and its impact on human health and wellbeing? What are you doing to ensure others can make these connections and how are you working together to build healthier spaces for all? Share your story.