Padma Shri winner’s house is free from waste and electricity bills. Here's how Indore’s ‘Janak Didi’ created zero waste home

At an age when most people slow down, Janak Palta McGilligan chose to redesign her lifestyle in a way that leaves no burden on the planet. Living in a spacious home that produces no waste and incurs zero electricity expenses, she has turned an ambitious idea into a practical reality. In a conversation with The Better India, she explained how she managed to build such an eco-friendly way of life.

A Turning Point After Loss

Her journey toward sustainable living began after a deeply personal loss. In 2011, following the passing of her husband, she relocated to their residence in Sanawadia, close to Indore. Determined to honour a shared commitment to environmental responsibility, she dedicated herself to transforming their home into a fully self-sustaining space. Over time, the house evolved into a model of eco-conscious living.

A Home That Runs on Nature

Her residence operates without adding strain to natural resources. Energy needs are met through a windmill that not only powers her home but also supplies electricity to around fifty nearby households. The absence of an electricity bill reflects her reliance on renewable sources.


Food is another area where she has embraced self-sufficiency. Her garden, rich with nearly 160 trees and a diverse range of 13 crops, produces organic vegetables, grains, lentils, and spices. Meals are prepared using solar-powered cooking systems, further reducing dependence on conventional energy.

Creative Waste Management

Nothing goes to waste in her household. Even discarded newspapers are repurposed into compact fuel blocks, which are used for cooking when sunlight is insufficient. This innovative approach ensures that resources are reused efficiently, minimizing environmental impact.

Empowering Communities Through Knowledge

Beyond her personal lifestyle, Janak has made significant contributions to society. As the founder of the Jimmy McGilligan Centre for Sustainable Development and former director of the Barli Development Institute for Rural Women, she has trained over 150,000 young individuals and more than 6,000 women from rural and tribal communities across numerous villages in sustainable practices like solar cooking.

Affectionately known as Janak didi, she continues to welcome visitors, sharing practical knowledge on eco-friendly living. Her dedication was nationally recognized when she received the Padma Shri in 2015 for her impactful social work.