In a world where access to clean drinking water remains an unfulfilled promise for millions, one woman stands out not just for her conviction, but for her action—Sumeet Rawla, clean water activist, changemaker, and compassionate leader. As the Chief Philanthropy Officer and the driving force behind the Community Pure Water Foundation, she embodies a rare blend of heart and intellect, passion and strategy.
For Sumeet Rawla, activism is not a passive commitment—it is her way of life. Whether it’s environmental conservation, sustainability, or social inequity, she focuses on results that can be measured and felt within a definitive timeframe. She does not merely aim for hope—she engineers outcomes.
A Childhood Rooted in Science and Culture
Born and raised in Hyderabad, Sumeet Rawla was immersed in an intellectually vibrant environment. Her father, the Director General of the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), was surrounded by minds like Jonas Salk and Nobel laureates. It was an upbringing that seeded both cultural inclusivity and scientific inquiry in her young mind.
“We grew up celebrating every Indian festival with a true sense of unity,” Sumeet Rawla recalls. “I was surrounded by scientists and thinkers, and yet, we never forgot our roots or our shared humanity.”
This early exposure shaped her into a thoughtful, empathetic, and purpose-driven individual. Her affinity for classical arts, cultural pluralism, and scientific discipline built a multidimensional character—one that would one day influence thousands of lives.
Breaking Barriers in Tech and Business
When Sumeet Rawla moved to the U.S. in 2000, it was not just about a change of scenery—it was a deliberate leap into new opportunities. Working in the male-dominated tech industry was no easy feat, especially for a woman who dared to be assertive. “In my university class at Osmania, there were just three women out of 108 students,” she notes. “Leadership was a domain almost exclusively reserved for men.”
But Sumeet rose against the tide. During her two-decade tenure at Tata Consultancy Services, she led multimillion-dollar business-critical system developments across continents. She became a sought-after leader known for her foresight in disruptive innovation, new technology integration, and cross-sectoral business alliances. Yet, beneath the success, the call for a deeper purpose continued to echo.
A Radical Shift Toward Purpose: The Birth of a Clean Water Mission
That call led her to the Community Pure Water Foundation (CPW) in 2018—a pivotal moment that reshaped her journey from corporate success to meaningful social impact. CPW was more than a cause; it was a calling.
The foundation’s mission is as simple as it is powerful: make clean, safe drinking water accessible, affordable, and available 24/7 in rural India. With over 9 million litres of purified water distributed monthly across 500+ villages in six states, CPW has become a beacon of hope for communities long forgotten.
Sumeet Rawla, clean water activist, explains, “This isn’t just about water. It’s about health, education, and dignity. When girls don’t have to spend hours fetching water, they return to school. When families are no longer battling waterborne illnesses, they can work and dream again.”
Sumeet Rawla works pro-bono, investing her time, knowledge, and heart into building systems that last. But she doesn’t stop there. Sumeet also serves on the boards of the Solar Village Project and Video Volunteers, broadening her impact into solar energy access and citizen journalism.
Sustainable Solutions, Local Roots
One of CPW’s key strengths under Sumeet’s leadership is its hyperlocal, community-driven approach. Working hand-in-hand with village panchayats, the foundation identifies existing water sources—ponds, wells, or reservoirs—and sets up water purification centers on donated land.
Within just six months of establishing a center, the transformation begins. Absenteeism drops. Health improves. Household medical bills have reduced. And slowly but surely, communities start to thrive.
But beyond infrastructure, there is a deep focus on mindset change. Through education campaigns and interactive sessions, CPW helps instil a culture of hygiene and well-being. The result? A ripple effect of change that outlasts the initial intervention.
The Indian Diaspora and Global Impact
Having lived in the U.S. for over two decades, Sumeet has a unique perspective on the evolving role of the Indian diaspora. “There’s a newfound confidence and recognition for Indians globally,” she shares. “We are no longer just contributing; we are leading.”
Sumeet Rawla believes in using this privilege to fuel meaningful change back home. “It’s our responsibility to reinvest what we’ve learned, whether it’s skills, networks, or resources, into communities that need it most.”
Balancing Passions with Purpose
Despite her heavy engagement in the philanthropic world, Sumeet Rawla is an advocate for a well-rounded life. She runs a vibrant book club and tirelessly encourages civic participation, especially voter turnout. It’s all part of her belief that change begins with an aware and engaged citizen.
Also Read : Meenakshi Mahajan: A Trailblazer in India-U.S. Philanthropic Partnerships