Hailing from Bundelkhand, Uttar Pradesh (U.P.), Shri Vishnu Sharan graduated from Allahabad University and then got his Civil Engineering degree from the University of Roorkee (now I.I.T. Roorkee). He started his professional career with the U.P. Irrigation Department, retiring in 1993 from the post of Engineer-in-Chief. Many important dam and barrage projects were constructed during his tenure.
In 1994, destiny brought him in touch with Swami Rama and he decided to dedicate his post-retirement years to the Himalayan Institute Hospital Trust. Besides looking after engineering works in the campus, he provided his services to the Trust for the noble cause of bringing water and sanitation facilities to rural hill communities after witnessing the drudgery faced by women, who had to walk 3 to 4 km every day to fetch water from distant mountain streams. These communities also faced many health problems related to open defecation.
Since the launch of the Water & Sanitation (WATSAN) programs by HIHT in 1998, more than 500 villages have been provided with sustainable access to water, sanitation and hygiene promotion activities. This has been possible because of active participation of the community and the efforts of a highly dedicated project team led by Shri Vishnu Sharan.
Shri Vishnu Sharanji left his body September 3, 2023.
