Dr. Anirban Sarkar
Chairman & Managing Director, Deccan Group of Companies
Executive Summary
Dr. Anirban Sarkar is a distinguished Indian entrepreneur, humanitarian, and leader in the water treatment and environmental technology sectors. Born in 1965, he has built a multifaceted career that spans industrial innovation, corporate leadership, social advocacy, and contributions to the arts. Widely recognized as the "Waterman of India," Dr. Sarkar is dedicated to developing sustainable solutions for resource conservation and environmental safety.
Professional Leadership
Dr. Sarkar currently serves as the Chairman and Managing Director (MD) of the Deccan Group of companies, providing strategic leadership across his various business ventures. He is also the Chairman and Director of Deccan Water Treatment Pvt. Ltd. (DWTPL), a position he has held since founding the organization in 1998. Under his leadership, DWTPL has become an ISO 9001:2008 certified entity with a significant workforce, specializing in reverse osmosis (RO) systems, desalination, and advanced wastewater treatment. Additionally, he holds the following prominent roles:
- MD & Chairman: Deccaleap Technologies.
- MD & Chairman: Deccan AV Media LLP.
- President: India-Arab Chamber of Commerce and Agriculture (appointed 2017).
- Technical Board Member: Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) Indo-Africa Project Partnership (Queensland State).
Technical Expertise & Innovation
A mechanical engineering graduate from the College of Engineering Pune (COEP) and an MBA alumnus of the Jamnalal Bajaj Institute of Management Studies, Dr. Sarkar possesses deep technical expertise. He is recognized as a pioneer in utilizing membrane technology for the physical removal of fluoride and arsenic from groundwater. His work has been instrumental in providing potable drinking water to numerous villages across Karnataka and Uttar Pradesh. Beyond water treatment, he has led research into eco-friendly fire-extinguishing products and large-scale solar energy projects across Africa and the Middle East.
Social Impact & Philanthropy
Dr. Sarkar is a dedicated philanthropist whose Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives focus on community welfare and infrastructure development. His key social contributions include:
- Public Infrastructure: Partnering with the Maharashtra Police to upgrade station facilities and provide essential equipment, including vehicles and E-challan machines.
- Social Welfare: Organizing "dowry-free" mass marriage programs to support community cohesion.
- Sports Promotion: Sponsoring national-level sporting events, such as the Sub Junior National Hockey Championship, to encourage youth and female athletes.
- Healthcare: Facilitating the provision of dialysis machines for medical facilities.
Achievements, Media & Arts
- Awards: He has received the Rashtriya Udyog Ratna Award, the Champion of Change Award, and the Sparsh Ganga Award for his environmental contributions.
- Academic Excellence: He holds a doctorate for his thesis on Gandhian philosophy and the socio-political status of India.
- Media & Arts: As a film producer, he brought historical narratives to the screen, including the acclaimed Marathi period drama Farzand. Additionally, he serves as the producer for Veer Savarkar – Secret Files, a four-season Hindi web series dedicated to the life and struggles of the renowned freedom fighter. He has also been a frequent contributor to media discussions on economic, political, and environmental issues.
A polyglot fluent in eight languages and an avid traveler, Dr. Sarkar continues to influence the industrial and social landscape through his commitment to sustainable development and community empowerment.
