In the heart of rural Odisha, where access to safe drinking water was once a daily struggle, Spring Health India has been quietly transforming lives since its inception on January 11, 2010. Spearheaded by a dedicated leadership team – Mr. Jacob Mathew, Audrey Selian, and Sandeep Roy Chaudhary – the organisation runs on a simple but powerful mission: provide affordable, potable water at the doorstep, powered by green energy, and delivered through an inclusive entrepreneur-led model.
From Corporate to Cause
For Sandeep Roy Chaudhary, the journey into social entrepreneurship wasn’t a straight line. At 57 years old, he reflects on the leap he took from the corporate sector to the rural heartland – inspired by the vision of Late Dr. Paul Polak and Chairman Jacob Mathew. It took over a year of deliberation before he committed fully to the venture, but the impact today speaks for itself: 273 water kiosks serving 28,000 families daily, all without the environmental cost of conventional methods.
Technology with a Human Touch
Spring Health’s purification process is anchored in Chlorine Dioxide technology, running entirely on solar power – ensuring zero water wastage and complete protection of groundwater reserves. Their non-RO technology produces water as pure as any high-end filtration system, without harming the environment. The delivery model is designed so rural women no longer need to walk miles for water – it arrives right at their doorstep.
Social Impact at Scale
The company’s influence extends far beyond hydration:
- Job Creation in rural areas, fostering economic self-reliance
- Gender Equality, with 33% of entrepreneurs being women
- Climate Action, reducing CO₂ emissions and generating 30,000 tonnes of Carbon Credits annually
- Better Health, as fewer families fall ill from waterborne diseases, freeing up man-days for productive work
Challenges that Forged Resilience
This impact was not built overnight. There was a time when the organisation endured months without salaries – Sandeep himself went unpaid for over two years. Investors hesitated, rural communities resisted paying for water, and the road was riddled with behavioural, financial, and operational challenges. Yet, his mantra remained: never give up.
The USP that Sets Them Apart
Spring Health’s model is unique in three ways:
- Non-RO, eco-friendly purification
- Doorstep delivery, making safe water aspirational in villages
- Entrepreneurial empowerment, ensuring shared benefits for all stakeholders
The venture is Gold Standard Certified, validating its environmental and social contributions, and stands ready for replication in India’s 600,000 villages and beyond.
Looking Ahead
Sandeep sees a vast opportunity – not just in India, but globally – to scale this model where safe water remains scarce. The mission is ambitious yet achievable: expand the reach so every rural household can access clean water without sacrificing health, dignity, or the planet.
Recognition & Awards
The journey has earned notable accolades, including:
- 50 Most Impactful Leaders in Water Management, World Water Leadership Congress (2017)
- Top 10 Innovative Start-ups in Water Technology 2025, CIO Tech Outlook
Words for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
His advice is simple but powerful: “It’s always difficult to get the first 100K in funding – after that, it starts to flow. The road is hard, but the rewards are far greater. Never give up.”