Cover Story.
Jalagam 2.0 Commences in Indore.
DCB Bank-Indore, in collaboration with the National Institute of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj (NIRDPR), presented a workshop focused on the long-term sustainability of water interventions. Mr. Siddharth Jain, CEO of Zila Panchayat, Indore, Government of Madhya Pradesh, graced the event along with other distinguished dignitaries from the government and civil society.
Read more…
A second workshop will be held in Bikaner, Rajasthan, on March 10, 2025.
Register Here!
Stories of Change.
“Having worked on a tea farm, I understand farmers’ many challenges. No doubt, there have been lots of support and assistance from S M Sehgal Foundation for on-the-ground implementation; but for me, a major change has been emerging into a new Geeta. Through the regular training and meetings, I have overcome my fear of speaking in front of a crowd; now I am participating in group meetings and spreading awareness among farmers to shift to sustainable agriculture practices.”
Small acts of generosity create lasting impact. Start today!
Make A Donation
Top Feature.
Stakeholders Unite for Sustainable Crop Residue Management.
(Ms. Niti Saxena, CTO, SMSF; Mr. Pankaj Kumar, prinicpal lead, SMSF; Dr. Suresh Kumar Chaudhari, deputy director general (NRM), ICAR; Ms. Anjali Godyal, COO, SMSF)
New Delhi — Farmers, policymakers, and agriculture experts came together at an Inter-Stakeholder Knowledge Exchange Workshop to tackle one pressing issue—crop residue burning. Organized by S M Sehgal Foundation, the event sparked discussions on practical, sustainable solutions to manage residue without harming the environment.
Read more…
Partnership Highlights.
ICCW and SMSF in Partnership.
Water is life! S M Sehgal Foundation (SMSF) and the International Centre for Clean Water (ICCW), an initiative under IIT-Madras, have signed an MoU to work together to tackle pressing water challenges in rural India. Anjali Makhija, trustee & CEO, SMSF, and NandKumar E, CEO, ICCW, sealed the partnership, setting the stage for impactful projects in water conservation and management.
(SMSF team with ICCW)
Read more…
Pilibhit and Mathura Host Inauguration Events for Rural Development Projects.
The Holistic Rural Development Project (HRDP) was inaugurated in Puranpur, Pilibhit, supported by HDFC Bank Parivartan in collaboration with S M Sehgal Foundation. The event, attended by key officials and more than ninety participants from fifteen villages, highlighted interventions in agriculture, livestock management, irrigation, micro-enterprises, and education. Chief veterinary officer, Dr. Ashish Sharma, emphasized goat farming as a viable livelihood. Dalip Verma, ADO Agriculture, assured farmers of full government support.
(Farmers attending the interface meeting)
Mathura, February 2025 — In Farah Block, Mathura, S M Sehgal Foundation and HDFC Bank Parivartan launched HRDP to engage stakeholders in rural development initiatives. Distinguished attendees included Dr. Arvind Kumar, SP City, and Ms. Kiran Chaudhary, District Panchayati Raj Officer. The event featured presentations on project goals, government programs, and community participation, with beneficiaries sharing success stories. Officials praised the foundation’s efforts and pledged continued support for the project’s success.
(HDFC launch event at Mathura)
Month At A Glance.
Nukkad Natak for Change.
As part of the Uttam Gram Initiative, S M Sehgal Foundation organized an awareness program on Behavioral Changes in Sanitation in Behripur and Gujjarpur Khurd villages in Alwar, Rajasthan.
To make learning engaging, a Nukkad Natak (street play) was performed by the Kalamunch Theatre group, powerfully delivering WASH messages on safe drinking water, proper toilet maintenance, handwashing, and menstrual hygiene. More than 900 community members attended, including local leaders and school representatives.
(Street play for WASH awareness)
Read more…
World Radio Day 2025.
(Radio team interviewing a local farmer of the listener community)
Recognizing the valuable role of community radio in spreading awareness, the Community Radio Connect FM 107.8 (an initiative of SMSF) station team engaged in insightful discussions on and off radio with listener groups on key agricultural issues. Topics included climate-smart farming, water conservation, and challenges of unpredictable rainfall.
Read more…
Empowering Grassroots Action on World NGO Day.
(Anjali Makhija speaking at Amity University, Noida)
S M Sehgal Foundation participated in a special lecture at Amity University titled “Localizing the SDGs: The Role of Grassroots NGOs in Sustainable Development.”
Anjali Makhija, trustee and CEO, SMSF, highlighted the significance of community-led initiatives in advancing sustainable change. She emphasized the role of grassroots NGOs in strengthening rural governance, improving livelihoods, and translating the SDGs into actionable progress.
Blogs & Articles.
Podcast.
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.
Editorial Team: Pooja O. Murada, Marly Cornell, Priya Chaudhary
Contributors: S M Sehgal Foundation team
Photo Credits: S M Sehgal Foundation staff
Design and Production: Outreach for Development team
Contact us 
Sign up for