E-Newsletter April 2025

Cover Story

Welcome to Mr. Jay Sehgal as Chairperson of S M Sehgal Foundation

I am delighted to announce that Dr. Sehgal has nominated Jay Sehgal as his successor and new chairperson of S M Sehgal Foundation. With Jay’s extensive experience in leading the organization during his early years as executive director of S M Sehgal Foundation, and thereafter serving on the board, Jay brings in a unique combination of leadership, grassroots experience in community work, and strategic vision.

Jay is an advocate of a people-centric approach, ensuring that we build a strong, long-term, sustainable organization with a motivated team focused on efficiency, impact, and quality.

Stories of Change

Radakrishna, from Kolar, Karnataka, cultivates 3.5 acres of land, growing both rainfed crops such as ragi, red gram, and field bean, and irrigated crops like tomato, cabbage, and potato. He adopted drip irrigation and received training in its use. The system conserves 70–80 percent more water and improves agronomic efficiency. “Drip irrigation will allow me to cultivate an additional crop during the year, significantly contributing to my income,” he said.

Small acts of generosity create lasting impact!

Please Donate Today

Partnership Highlights

Ten Years of Mosaic Company Foundation Science Awards

Marking ten years of recognizing groundbreaking contributions in plant nutrition, The Mosaic Company, The Mosaic Company Foundation for Sustainable Food Systems, and S M Sehgal Foundation came together to honor individuals making exceptional strides in the field.

(Dr. Sandeep Bedwal, Outstanding Doctoral Research Award)

The celebration continued with a field visit to Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, where Mahila Kisan Sammelan (Women Farmers Meet) was held. The event highlighted the impact of over 3,900 kitchen nutri gardens, which are significantly improving household nutrition and livelihoods. The visit also marked the inauguration of a newly transformed school in Karnayeepur—now a dynamic and secure learning environment for 261 students, providing them with a brighter and more hopeful future.

(Leaders from Mosaic Company Foundation and S M Sehgal Foundation)

Rainwater Harvesting Launched in Faridabad Schools

S M Sehgal Foundation, in collaboration with Whirlpool of India Ltd., inaugurated rooftop rainwater harvesting systems at government schools in Bhanakpur and Karnera, Faridabad. Part of a broader project across four schools, the initiative created a total storage capacity of approximately 475 kiloliters between November 2024 and March 2025. The launch included tree plantation drives and engagement with Village Development Committees, ensuring community ownership of local water solutions.

(Drinking water inauguration with leaders from Whirlpool India Ltd., and S M Sehgal Foundation team)

Water Conservation and School Transformation in Nuh

(Balancehero team with S M Sehgal Foundation during inauguration ceremony)

Balancehero India Pvt. Ltd. inaugurated a rejuvenated pond in Tain village, enhancing water storage by 7.7 million liters for agriculture and groundwater recharge.

In Dhanduka village, a school transformation initiative was launched, impacting 300 students. Upgrades included a dining area, kitchen, water treatment system, solar panels, classroom repairs, and a stage—creating a vibrant learning environment.

Second Phase of Fostering a Green Future

(The SMSF team is engaging with the community to raise awareness.)

The Flipkart Foundation, in collaboration with S M Sehgal Foundation, launched the second phase of the “Fostering a Green Future” initiative, expanding to forty villages in Haryana. Building on the success of phase one, which reached more than 4,650 children and 2,200 women, the project will focus on climate change, sustainable farming, and water conservation. The initiative will impact 2,600 individuals directly, with an outreach of 13,000.

Contract Farming with PepsiCo in Prayagraj

Under the Bolstering FPO Project, supported by the Walmart Foundation and implemented by S M Sehgal Foundation in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, a contract farming initiative was launched with PepsiCo and two Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) across forty acres. PepsiCo provided seed inputs, technical support, and committed to a buyback of the harvest. The FPOs collectively supplied about 168 metric tons of potatoes, generating approximately ₹20.16 lakh in value.

(A farmer with her potato produce, in Prayagraj)

Month At A Glance

Transforming a High School in Telangana

Zila Parishad High School, for boys, in Ramayampet, Telangana, underwent a remarkable transformation under the Transform Lives one school at a time program by S M Sehgal Foundation. The school’s infrastructure was reimagined through the BaLA (Building as Learning Aid) concept, turning walls into interactive learning tools. This transformation benefits 141 boys, creating an inspiring, inclusive, and accessible learning environment.

(Mr. Jay Sehgal, chairperson; Mr. Navneet Narwal, principal lead, Project Implementation, S M Sehgal Foundation with Telangana team)

Season 2.0 of Kanoon Ki Baat is now LIVE on Radio Connect FM 107.8!

An initiative of the S M Sehgal Foundation, Radio Connect FM 107.8 has launched the second season of Kanoon Ki Baat in collaboration with the District Legal Services Authority (DLSA) of Alwar, Rajasthan.

The first episode featured Mr. Mohan Lal Soni, secretary of DLSA, who discussed the role of DLSA and how to access free legal aid services.

(Shakir Hussain, RJ at Radio Connect FM 107.8 with Mr. Mohan Lal Soni, Secretary, DLSA)

SMSF Team Visit Intervention Areas

(Mr. Pawan Kumar, principal lead; Mr. Shailesh Pant, program lead,
Agriculture Development)

(Mr. Jay Sehgal, chairperson; Mr. Navneet Narwal, principal lead, Project Implementation)

Mr. Pawan Kumar and Mr. Shailesh Pant of the S M Sehgal Foundation’s leadership team recently visited the Rewa district in Madhya Pradesh, where they interacted with beneficiaries of various agricultural initiatives, including solar pumps, zero tillage practices, farm ponds, and mini sprinkler systems.

The visit concluded at Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) Rewa, where the team met with local officials to discuss ongoing projects and reaffirm the foundation’s commitment to future collaboration.

Meanwhile, Mr. Jay Sehgal and Mr. Navneet Narwal assessed the impact of a check dam constructed under a CSR-supported initiative in Telangana.

They were briefed by project engineers and held discussions with local residents, focusing on sustainable water management and improved agricultural practices.

Blogs & Media

Blogs

News & Media

SMSF Connect Podcast features a bouquet of interesting programs about rural development and other social issues and themes. TUNE IN to our podcast channel on I-RadioLive. Podcasts also available on Spotify.

About Us

Our Work

407 villages covered

Knowledge Center

407 villages covered

E-Newsletter April 2025

Stay connected