Health, education and access to safe drinking water are three immediate yet solvable crisis, majorly in global south, which are aspired to be mitigated in SDG 3, 4 & 6 by 2030 (sustainable development goal, UNGA). Under the purview of right to life (Article 21, Indian constitution), these basic necessities are the backbone of a healthy economy (UNICEF) with potential implications on sociopolitical and economic dimensions of an aspiring nation. Nearly, 26% of world population and 2 billion people does not have access to safe drinking water (UNESCO report) and basic medicines (WHO & World Bank), respectively. The compelling data therefore highlight the urgent need to streamline a major share of research and innovation towards addressing this immediate crisis in mission mode through whole of a society approach. To contribute to this cause, my goal is to find solutions that can make medical and water facilities accessible to all by aligning with the design principles of short peptide/single amino acid-based assembled materials. Using the prowess of nanotech, these biocompatible materials can potentially serve as drug carriers, filtration material and sometimes injectable drug thus expanding the domain of therapeutics with minimal systems. Interestingly, spatiotemporal modulation of such carriers can facilitate sustained or burst release of delivering material in a targeted manner based on the intrinsic kinetic and thermodynamic stability of the supramolecular architecture. However, focusing on global south, the critical challenges lie in the cost effectiveness and versatility of peptide-based systems to ensure minimum resource with maximum outcome. Therefore, the involved research envisages to overcome the palpable challenges of contemporary world and contribute towards achieving the socio-economic development of aspirational states with a specific emphasis on SDG 3 (health) and SDG 6 (clean water) with in specified time period.
On a personal note, I am deeply passionate about promoting SDG 5 which focuses on achieving gender equality and empowering women. By embracing SDG 5, we can strive to establish equal benchmarks for everyone, regardless of gender and ensure that women have equal access in every field.
Last but not the least I also think reducing inequality is a crucial aspect of achieving SDG 10. This is particularly pertinent in developing countries like India, where a significant wealth disparity exists. According to the Oxfam report, the richest 1% in India owns more than 40% of the total wealth. Addressing SDG 10 not only promises a better quality of life for all individuals but also contributes to the fulfillment of other SDGs.
By working towards these goals, I aim to contribute to creating a more sustainable, equitable and healthier future for all individuals.