Method in the Madness

PARAMESWARAN IYER is currently the Global Lead for Strategic Initiatives in the World Bank's Water Global Practice. Prior to this, he served as Secretary to the Government of India at the Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation (later, Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation under the newly formed Ministry of Jal Shakti), from March 2016 until August 2020, and led the implementation of the flagship Swachh Bharat Mission. A former IAS officer, Iyer headed the innovative community-led Swajal Project in Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand in the 1990s, has over twenty-five years of global experience in the water and sanitation sector and has worked in many countries, including Vietnam, China, Egypt and Lebanon. A fitness enthusiast, Iyer also served as road manager to his daughter and son on the pro tennis circuit during a two-year sabbatical from his professional career.