Bangalore-based Almitra Hoshang Patel, was awarded the prestigious Karnataka Rajyotsava Award on 1^st November, 2024, for her 5-decade long, dedicated contribution in the field of Solid Waste Management. 88-year-old Almitra Patel, renowned environmentalist and the first Indian woman to graduate from the prestigious Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), has been a trailblazer for environmental advocacy and reform, boasting of a proud legacy built through decades of unwavering dedication.

The Karnataka Rajyotsava Award, one of Karnataka State Govt’s highest civilian honors, recognizes exemplary contributions made by individuals in fields including arts, literature, social service, and public affairs. Recipients are honored with a gold medal, a cash prize, and a citation in appreciation of their dedication to the state and its people.

Almitra’s journey as an environmental activist began in the early 1990s, based on her concern for a 2.5 km stretch near her Bangalore home that lacked a designated garbage dump. This seemingly local issue ignited a lifelong mission. Her pursuit of responsible waste management had her file a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) that would span over two decades and result in reshaping India’s waste management policies. Her steadfast efforts culminated in the Municipal Solid Waste Management Rules of 2016, which established nationwide standards for handling and disposing of solid waste. This achievement came only after an arduous legal journey, marked by 52 trips to Delhi from Bangalore, nationwide data collection, and countless hours spent preparing her case (Almitra H. Patel and Another Vs. Union of India).

With her solution-oriented approach and proactive spirit, Almitra has proven that lasting change requires both, vision and persistence. Epitomising both, civic responsibility and woman-power, Almitra’s legacy serves as an inspiration to future generations.