Spotlight
Inspiring Change Through Innovation and Leadership
S M Sehgal Foundation Chairperson Jay Sehgal and CEO & Trustee Anjali Makhija were featured in the most recent episode of Techfluence, a platform spotlighting changemakers who transform lives through innovation. In this insightful conversation, they shared how the foundation is advancing access to education, women’s empowerment, and community-led development across rural India. Their stories highlight how innovation and collaboration are shaping sustainable, inclusive progress at the grassroots. A must-watch for anyone inspired by true stories of impact and leadership in action.
Watch the full episode here
Stories of Change
(Rajbala with solar irrigation pump)
Meet Rajbala Devi, a farmer from Nigana Kalan village, Tosham Tehsil, Bhiwani, who received a solar-powered irrigation pump, to harness renewable energy to water her fields. In the sandy fields where water and electricity are scarce, Rajbala’s crops and hopes depended on rain, but the solar irrigation system doubled her mustard and wheat harvest. She received the pump under the aegis of the Water Conservation Project in Bhiwani and Jhajjar districts, Haryana, since 2022, under the IndusInd Bank’s CSR intervention.
“My crops now get water on time, and I am even able to share water with other farmers for irrigation,” she says proudly.
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SMSF Outreach and Coverage (Till September 2025)
| Village Start Year (Groups) |
Yearly Population Outreach |
New Villages |
Total Villages |
Total SF Districts |
Total SF States |
| 2000-23 |
39,35,151 |
1828 |
1828 |
56 |
12 |
| 2023–24 |
9,64,448 |
692 |
2520 |
63 |
12 |
| 2024–25 |
10,30,118 |
516 |
3036 |
74 |
13 |
| 2025–26 |
6,70,768 |
502 |
3538 |
80 |
13 |
| Total |
66,00,485 |
3538 |
3538 |
80 |
13 |
Partnership Highlights
Empowering Farmers for a Fire-Free Future
As part of the Crop Residue Management Preventing Farm Fires Project, supported by DCB Bank in Fatehgarh Sahib, Punjab, farmers are gaining hands-on knowledge to manage crop residues sustainably. Field Days held across five villages showcased demo paddy plots with improved yield indicators and disease management practices. Farmers also visited the Indian Institute of Maize Research (IIMR), where experts from BISA and IIMR guided them on crop diversification.
Read more…
Painting a Greener Tomorrow
Across 40 schools in Kaithal and Kurukshetra, over 1,600 students bring their creativity to life through drawing competitions inspired by Project Sajeevan’s sustainability lessons. Their artworks reflect eco-conscious values and a shared vision for a cleaner, greener future.
A collaboration between the Flipkart Foundation and S M Sehgal Foundation, Project Sajeevan nurtures environmental awareness among children, youth, and women.
Read more…
Recognition for Advancing Sustainable Agriculture in Uttarakhand
S M Sehgal Foundation, in partnership with HDFC Bank Parivartan, is driving sustainable growth and community well-being through focused development projects in Uttarakhand.
In recognition of these efforts, the foundation received a citation of appreciation from Dr. M. S. Chauhan, vice chancellor, G. B. Pant University of Agriculture & Technology, during a two-day agricultural workshop organized by KVK (Krishi Vigyan Kendra) Lohaghat, Champawat. N P Singh, senior program lead at SMSF, accepted the honor.
Read more…
SMSF presented at the Pernod Ricard India’s 25 Years celebration
S M Sehgal Foundation (SMSF) and Pernod Ricard India Foundation (PRIF) are partners for strengthening rural water security. At the celebration of the 25 years of Pernod Ricard and Bapuna Alcobrew, Subhransu Kumar Bebarta, SMSF director of Partnership & Fundraising, highlighted the partnership’s impact. In FY 2022–23, with PRIF’s support, SMSF teams created four ponds and a check dam in Tilaghna and nearby villages, and an additional pond with Bapuna Alcobrew. Together, these community-led structures store 134 million liters of water, improving irrigation and groundwater recharge.
Read more…
Month at a Glance
SMSF Leaders Take the Stage at Key National Forums
(Anjali Makhija speaking at national forums)
Anjali Makhija, trustee and CEO of S M Sehgal Foundation, has represented the organization recently at multiple national forums, sharing insights on community-led innovation and sustainable growth.
At the India Water & Rivers Forum (October 7, 2025), she spoke on the panel “Solutions from the Ground: Innovations in Practice,” highlighting community-driven models for water management. Read here.
The foundation also had a strong presence at the IDH Sutra Summit 2025. As session partner for the opening plenary, “From Soil to System,” lead farmers shared reflections from the field. During the session, “Beyond Compliance: Strategic CSR Pathways for Inclusive and Climate-Resilient Supply Chains,” Ms. Makhija offered a practitioner’s perspective on building stronger rural ecosystems. Read here.
Understanding Soak Pits
(Sonia Chopra in conversation with Salahuddin Saiphy)
This episode of SMSF Connect Podcast explains how soak pits help manage household wastewater effectively and protect the environment. Through a simple filtration process, soak pits treat wastewater and help recharge groundwater, making them an ideal solution for rural communities.
Tune in as Sonia Chopra, program lead, Outreach for Development, speaks with Salahuddin Saiphy, principal lead, Water Management. Listen here.
Reviewing Community Initiatives in Kolar
(SMSF team on field in Kolar)
Anjali Makhija, trustee and CEO of SMSF, along with Shruti Singh, head of finance; Shruchi Singh, senior program lead; and former SMSF Trustee Jayshree Balachander, visited intervention locations in Kolar, Karnataka. The team met with teachers, Village Development Committees, FPO directors, and FIG women members to review ongoing progress, reinforce institutional sustainability, and discuss strategies for long-term impact.
Sharing Rainwater Harvesting Innovations Across Borders
(Salahuddin Saiphy during the webinar)
Salahuddin Saiphy, principal lead, Water Management at S M Sehgal Foundation, served as a resource person for the Young Rainwater Champions webinar series by the South Asia Rainwater Network (SARNET).
He shared insights from the foundation’s work in rainwater harvesting including rooftop systems, check dams, ponds, and, recharge wells, supported by case studies from Anantapur and Kolar that demonstrated community and economic impact.
Read more…
Village Committees Lead Local Growth in Uttarakhand
(Vikas Jha with the community members in Betalghat)
Vikas Jha, principal lead for Local Participation and Sustainability at S M Sehgal Foundation, met with members of Village Development Committees in the Betalghat block to discuss their critical role in advancing local development and strengthening coordination with agriculture departments and Gram Panchayats. In the region, villagers have begun adopting modern cultivation practices for crops such as tomato and capsicum.
Read more…
More from SMSF
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.
Contributors: S M Sehgal Foundation team
Photo Credits: S M Sehgal Foundation staff
Design and Production: Outreach for Development team
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