July 30, 2001, was an eventful day for Rajendra Singh of Tarun Bharat Sangh ( tbs ). As he was touring Sikar, Rajasthan, to do what he does best -- mobilise communities to manage their own water resources -- came the news that the Manila-based Ramon Magsaysay Foundation had conferred the Magsaysay award on him for community leadership. The award, which is considered to be the Asian equivalent of the Noble Prize, is given every year to people who have made an impact on society.
On receiving the award, Singh said, "The social technique adopted by the people and tbs has been recognised with the achievement of this award. The award is for the people." Singh received the award for initiating communities across Alwar into building their own water harvesting structures called johads , which have ushered an economic miracle in the region. Earlier, he also fought against illegal quarrying in the Sariska Tiger Reserve.