(Salahuddin Saiphy, prinicipal lead of Water Management, SMSF received the award on behalf of the organization.)
S M Sehgal Foundation (SMSF) recently received the 3rd World Environment Council (WEC) Award in the Eco-Guardian category, and Community Radio Connect FM 107.8 (an initiative of SMSF) was honored in the Green Education & Awareness category. WEC awards recognize SMSF’s sustained efforts to reduce the impact of climate change, promoting sustainable agricultural practices, and building awareness of the related environmental issues.

(Goat farming visit in UP)

(VDC meeting in UP)
Integrated Approaches to Strengthening Rural Livelihoods
With the support of John Deere India Pvt. Ltd., S M Sehgal Foundation is strengthening rural livelihoods in Dewas, Madhya Pradesh, and Sonbhadra, Uttar Pradesh, through integrated initiatives spanning sustainable agriculture, education, digital inclusion, and women’s leadership. Interventions implemented during the last quarter encompassed a wide range of activities, including crop diversification, intercropping demonstrations, and post-harvest storage support, alongside upgrades to school infrastructure, digital literacy programs, and the strengthening of women-led community institutions. Collectively, these efforts are contributing to increased household incomes, improved learning outcomes, and stronger local leadership.
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(Meeting with Village Development Committee in Haryana)
S M Sehgal Foundation and IndusInd Bank recently undertook a two-day field visit to review IndusInd Bank–supported projects in Haryana. The visit aimed to assess ongoing activities on the ground, engage directly with beneficiaries, and gain insights into the outcomes of interventions across soil health, water conservation, agriculture, and rural livelihoods.
IndusInd Bank is currently supporting two initiatives in the state: a Water Conservation Project implemented across two districts and the Gramin Solar Vachan Kendra Project operational in three districts of Haryana. Read more…

(HDFC team with SMSF team inaugurating the project in Kanpur Dehat, UP)

HDFC Bank Parivartan Project: A Step Towards Holistic Rural Development
S M Sehgal Foundation successfully launched the HDFC Bank Parivartan Project in Amraudha Block, Kanpur Dehat district, Uttar Pradesh, through a community event held on January 29, 2026. The initiative seeks to promote holistic and sustainable rural development through community-led interventions.
The launch event brought together key government officials, local representatives, community members, and project beneficiaries, reflecting strong local ownership and enthusiasm for the project’s vision. The program featured a comprehensive introduction to the project, a documentary screening, and presentations showcasing successful development models supported under the HDFC Bank Parivartan initiative. Government officials also shared insights into relevant state schemes, encouraging active community participation and alignment with ongoing development efforts.
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(SMSF and IARI team at the Regenerative Agriculture Conference)
SMSF and IARI led a National Conference on Regenerative Agriculture and Precision Farming
The conference, held on January 30, 2026, convened researchers, practitioners, policymakers, and farmers to explore how regenerative and precision-led approaches can restore soil health, reduce chemical inputs, enhance water-use efficiency, and strengthen farmer incomes amid climate change. Discussions underscored the role of climate-smart technologies, soil biology, women farmers’ inclusion, and capacity building in building resilient food systems. The conference concluded with a field visit to IARI–SMSF project sites, where farmers interacted with experts on practical applications of regenerative and precision farming practices. Read more…

(Anjali Makhija at Haryana Vision@2047 Seminar in Haryana)
Anjali Makhija Speaks at Haryana Vision@2047 Seminar
Ms Anjali Makhija, CEO and trustee of S M Sehgal Foundation (SMSF), participated as a Sectoral Expert in the Government of Haryana’s thematic consultation under Haryana Vision @ 2047, contributing to deliberations for the State Budget 2026–27 for the theme “Agriculture, Allied Sectors, Food & Environment.” Ms Makhija shared insights grounded in SMSF’s work experience in the field of agriculture, food systems, natural resource management, and climate resilience.
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(SMSF team at Agriculture Capacity Building Training)
Agriculture Development Team Training
Twenty participants from Betalghat and Champawat teams were trained by Agriculture Development Principal Lead Pawan Kumar and Program Lead Shailesh Kumar Pant. The sessions focused on soil health management, water conservation, crop diversification, and Integrated Plant Nutrient Management (IPNM), with strong emphasis on practical field applications.
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(SMSF team and Shah family visit the inaugurated school)

Transformed School Inaugurated
S M Sehgal Foundation recently handed over the transformed the Zilla Parishad Secondary and Higher Secondary School, Jategaon, under the Transform Lives one school at a time program. The school was inaugurated in the presence of the SMSF team, Shah Family, students, the school principal, School Management Committee members, representatives from the gram panchayat, and village community members. The transformation work in the school has been carried out through the generous support received from the members of Shah family and is dedicated in the loving memory of Mrs Amita Rajnikant Shah.
Guests were warmly welcomed, followed by a guided tour of the school highlighting the key interventions undertaken as part of the transformation.
Read more…
Upcoming Conference
Jalagam 3.0 brings policymakers, practitioners, researchers, and community voices together to reimagine India’s water future, grounded in grassroots realities and innovative solutions.
The conference is supported by NIRDPR and IIT Delhi as knowledge partners.
Register today!
Date: 12 February 2026
Location: Jacaranda Hall, India Habitat Centre, New Delhi
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Contributors: S M Sehgal Foundation team
Photo Credits: S M Sehgal Foundation staff
Design and Production: Outreach for Development team