India’s villages are not just homes to millions; rural villages are also the foundation of the nation’s growth. Yet, challenges such as poor infrastructure, low literacy, and limited health facilities continue to hold back rural life. Addressing the needs for village development requires a holistic approach that builds on local leadership, community ownership, and sustainable practices.

The story of Khursi village in Barabanki, Uttar Pradesh, illustrates how transformation is possible when communities take charge themselves with a little help. Backed by the HDFC Bank Parivartan Project in collaboration with S M Sehgal Foundation, Khursi demonstrates what true village development looks like.

What is Village Development?

Village development is the process of improving living standards in rural areas through better education, healthcare, agriculture, and livelihoods. This goes beyond infrastructure to empower people to make decisions about their own future. A village development officer (VDO) plays a formal role in implementing government programs, but local participation makes the real difference.

Khursi’s example highlights this. When a village development committee (VDC) was formed, residents began to plan their priorities: clean drinking water, improved farming, and women’s education. A blend of official support and community-led action shows how transformation becomes sustainable.

What are the Goals of Sustainable Development in Villages

The goals of sustainable development in villages include:

Khursi worked on each of these goals in a collective effort. For example, women took the lead in promoting kitchen gardens and nutrition games and activities that promote better family diets.

A Community-led Development Model

Community-led development means villagers identify problems, design solutions, and implement change. This model builds ownership, ensuring progress does not fade when outside support ends.

In Khursi, villagers decided together on their priorities. They demanded hand pumps for safe water, pushed for soil health training, and initiated a campaign against early marriage. The idea of participatory development was not new, but it came alive here because everyone had a voice.

Such community-based organizations ensure accountability. Unlike top-down approaches, local people are encouraged to see themselves not as beneficiaries but as changemakers.

Participatory Development and Empowerment of Women

One of the strongest lessons from Khursi is about the role of women. When women are empowered, entire communities change. Their involvement in village development committees shifted how decisions were made in her village.

These participatory methods align with the global push for women in leadership. In methods such as farmer field schools, women participated and helped bridge knowledge gaps. Women became trainers and motivators, demonstrating why women’s participation is critical for achieving rural development.

Agriculture and Traditional Practices in Transformation

Agriculture is the backbone of village life. Development cannot be imagined without strengthening farming. At Khursi, farmers returned to the valuable traditional agricultural practices, such as composting and crop rotation, and combined them with modern agriculture tools and techniques to produce better yields.

Through farmer field schools, they learned about soil testing, pest management, and water-saving irrigation. Practical sessions, such as using a board game about water to explain distribution and conservation, made learning easier. Farmers could see how blending old and new knowledge creates resilience against climate change. Such initiatives represent sustainable agriculture development, ensuring both productivity and environmental care.

Lessons from Capacity Development and Local Leadership

True village development depends on building skills, not just improved infrastructure. Capacity development had been a major step in Khursi. But training sessions in bookkeeping, sanitation, and nutrition turned local residents into problem-solvers.

Local leadership flourished. When men saw women confidently addressing meetings, their own perceptions shifted. Villagers began to respect decisions taken collectively. Community-based organizations anchored this momentum to ensure accountability and transparency.

The emergence of leaders from within—farmers, teachers, and women—proved that development is not imported, but nurtured.

Case study: Khursi’s transformation

Khursi’s journey is about people.

Consider Rukhsana, a mother of three. Earlier, she had little say in village matters. But as part of the Village Development Committee, she learned about clean water and sanitation. She became a motivator for other women, introducing nutrition games for adults in self-help groups to discuss balanced diets.

Farmers like Nafees also benefited. At farmer field schools, he learned to use agriculture tools for crop planning. He now grows vegetables using less water, and his income has doubled.

The children were not left behind either. Using education games and management puzzle games in school made learning interactive. Teachers noticed that attendance rose as students found joy in classrooms.

Each story painted a bigger picture: when villagers lead, change lasts.

What are the Major Challenges in Rural Development?

Rural development is vital for balanced growth, yet rural villages across India continue to face deep-rooted challenges that slow their progress. These challenges are not only about poverty but also about access, awareness, and opportunities. Some major issues include:

The Way Forward

The future of sustainable rural development lies in community-led models. Lessons from Khursi illustrate that when people unite, even small steps create large impact. Strengthening farmer field schools, building stronger women’s networks, and promoting participatory development helps to scale successes.

Technology plays a helpful role. Mobile-based advisory services, digital learning platforms, and even innovative crop games make knowledge sharing more effective. With youth involvement, villages move faster toward achieving sustainable goals.

The Bottom Line

Village development is the empowerment of people to create their future with dignity and sustainability. This empowerment is not just about better roads and buildings, but about building confidence, skills, and unity.

The story of Khursi proves that villages can become self-reliant when communities lead. From women in leadership to farmer field schools, every step built greater strength. The lesson is clear: with local leadership, participatory planning, and sustained effort, rural India can create their own transformations.

Priya Chaudhary
Social Impact, CSR, and Gender & Development

Priya Chaudhary is an expert in Social Impact, CSR, and Gender & Development with a focus on gender equity, social inclusion, and evidence-based change. With extensive experience in project management, storytelling, and qualitative research, she has worked on various NGO marketing and development projects.

The post Village Development Lessons from a Community-Led Transformation appeared first on S M Sehgal Foundation.

Picture a village buzzing with energy where every adult has a say in building their community’s future. Gram sabha presents the village community with the opportunity of local participation in various matters of local importance. But does it have the ability to change the destiny of India and transform it? The article tries to draw upon the questions of gram sabha’s potential and whether it is living up to it.

Is the gram sabha living up to its potential?

Gram sabha is the village’s ultimate democratic stage, where every adult voter (18 and above) in a village or group of villages under a gram panchayat gets a voice. No elections are needed, and if you’re a registered voter, you will get to participate in the process.

The gram sabha consists of this vibrant and diverse crowd, making it the heartbeat of local self-participation. But is it living up to its hype? How does gram sabha work? It empowers communities to tackle local issues, approve development plans, hold leaders accountable, and make need-based plans for the village.

Gram sabha vs gram panchayat: breaking it down

Both bodies are the result of the bifurcation of local administration, mentioned in Article 243(b), 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act, 1992. Gram sabha is a decision-making body that helps adult voters to brainstorm ideas to tackle problems and work for development. The gram panchayat is the elected body responsible for turning those ideas into reality.

Here is a simple breakdown of gram sabha vs gram panchayat:

Your Voice, Your Village: The Power of Gram Sabha

Gram Swaraj, as an idea of the self-reliant village, is a unique concept of rural reconstruction proposed by Mahatma Gandhi much before India’s independence that he developed over time.

To envision the power of Gram Swaraj, the gram sabha becomes the instrument to realize the power of people. The change that it brings to the whole community, if the people decide that collectively they can affect their local conditions. Gram sabha becomes the voice of the marginalized section of society, like women and “backward” classes, and breathes life into the vision of gram swaraj.

From prioritizing schools to auditing funds, the gram sabha has the potential to transform villages through community participation, but it needs active voices to shine.

Why gram sabha meetings spark change in society

What is the role of gram sabha in village administration? It’s the backbone of local self-participation, empowering villagers to shape their future.

The potential of gram sabha is immense; from being the harbinger of transparency as well as the voice of the community, it is also the point of contact for rural community participation.

Gram Sabha in Action: A Real Story from India

Organizations such as S M Sehgal Foundation help educate at the grassroots level about the awareness of various government stakeholders in rural development.

One such example, “Community Connect: Catalyzing Women Leaders for Collective Action at the Local Level” in Maharashtra and Bihar. The program trains 25 women per month in each village, focusing on building leadership skills, confidence, and knowledge of local participation systems like gram sabha.

The program also facilitates exposure visits to other villages, spreading awareness and inspiring replication. By fostering collective action, the initiative empowers women to challenge systemic barriers and lead sustainable community development, with plans to expand its reach to more villages.

From all these stories, we can see that, if utilized with proper channels, gram sabha can be a game changer that empowers and improves the living conditions of local people who don’t otherwise have the resources to move to big cities and prefer to stay close to their roots

Organization and community participation, and taking an active voice in local matters, create a quiet change that will benefit coming generations.

About the Author

Ms. Pooja O. Murada
Principal lead, Outreach for Development, S M Sehgal Foundation

Mass communications master’s; English honors; bridge marketing program (Tuck School of Business); over twenty years in brand management, marketing, and development communications in the corporate and development sector. Spearheaded a community radio in an aspirational district; former chairperson of the gender committee at Sehgal Foundation, invited ICC member, Volvo India, and former governing board member of Community Radio Association.

The post Gram Sabha Unlocked: How local Participation Is Transforming Rural India appeared first on S M Sehgal Foundation.

In rural India, awareness is nurtured through connection, communication, and context. Participatory rural games designed to educate while entertain are emerging as powerful tools to spread awareness and build capacities. These tools transform traditional board games into hands-on learning tools, addressing topics such as agriculture, health, nutrition, and community leadership.

These games are part of a broader movement in community-led development that values voice, inclusion, and adaptability. Engaging IEC (Information, Education, and Communication) materials helps bring complex issues to life, one dice roll at a time.

What is IEC Material and Why Does It Matter?

IEC stands for Information, Education, and Communication tools used to raise awareness, promote behavioral change, and build skills in rural communities. Printed leaflets, street plays, and now interactive games continue to evolve to match changing attention spans and technology habits.

Why games work better:

In a fast-paced, media-saturated world, participatory rural games stand out for their ability to engage and educate at once.

2. How to use Participative Games in rural India

2.1 What Types of Games Are Used?

The games are usually modeled on traditional board games (Ludo, Snakes and Ladders, Memory Match), and tailored for specific educational themes. Each action within the game aligns with a real-life concept, such as an agricultural practice or a nutritional fact.

Popular themes:

Participatory games for educational purposes are often backed by training facilitators and paired with storytelling for maximum impact.

2.2 Where Do These Games Fit in Broader Learning Ecosystems?

Education games are not replacements for schoolbooks, but they serve as learning tools in many venues.

Used alongside IEC materials, such as pamphlets, videos, and charts, a layered learning approach is effective. Plus, they are easily replicable and scalable.

2.3 Top-performing themes That Work Best in Participatory Rural Games:

Some subjects lend themselves particularly well to game-based learning.

These games simplify complex systems and help people practice decision-making in safe environments.

2.4 Why Are Games So Effective?

The secret lies in game mechanics. When rules are clear, rewards are instant, and play is social, engagement is the result.

The mechanics:

The combination of visuals, movement, laughter, and storytelling ensures that people understand better, remember more, and feel empowered.

3. Why Participatory Games Are Transformative in Rural India

3.1 What Changes in Rural Communities?

Participatory games address information gaps as well a long-standing taboos and silence. When education becomes a shared experience through games, the transformation runs deep.

The power of participatory education is not just about what is taught, but what is retained and acted upon.

3.2 How Does This Support Community-Led Development?

Games are more than learning aids; they are tools of empowerment that align perfectly with the principles of community-led development especially participation, adaptability, and inclusiveness.

Why the community must lead:

Information, Education, and Communication is about dialogue, creativity, and accountability, which are all naturally promoted in the games.

From Passive to Participatory: Shifting the Learning Paradigm

In traditional IEC models, people listen. In participatory game models, people play, speak, question, and reflect. That is the shift we need.

These smart IEC tools also offer a chance to integrate digital gamification in the future, using AR or app-based board games for the same rural audiences.

By blending board games, IEC material, and community insight, this model offers a scalable solution to grassroots education and behavior change.

Traditional IEC tools such as posters or leaflets often fail to meaningfully engage rural populations. When adapted around local culture and needs, participatory board games and education games serve as trust-building, skill-enhancing tools.

Benefits:

Management puzzle games that teach crop planning, and gardening board games that illustrate nutrition cycles, serve as engaging formats to help local people connect learnings with daily life.

Real Voices, Real Impact

Comments from those whose lives changed through these games:

Looking Ahead: How Can NGOs, Panchayats, and CSR Use This?

Every rural development stakeholder from NGOs to local panchayats can adopt this model with minimal investment. Many organisations are already collaborating to create sustainable, gamified IEC material based on region-specific needs.

How to implement:

These games not only educate, but also unite. They foster group thinking, leadership, and a shared sense of progress.

Final Thoughts: More Than Just Games

Participatory rural games are not child’s play. They are purpose-driven tools to spark curiosity, bridge information gaps, and bring about real social change.

Whether it is a water board game in a drought-hit village or a nutrition game for adults in an anganwadi, each game session becomes a gateway to transformation. As India embraces smarter rural development strategies, such low-cost, high-impact innovations will play a central role.

Vikas Jha
Principal Lead, Local Participation and Sustainability

Vikas Jha, Principal Lead, Local Participation and Sustainability at S M Sehgal Foundation has 20 years of professional experience in the development sector, especially in the areas related to strategy development, CSR project management, public policy analysis, capacity building (project team, community leaders & local institutions at grassroots) & social inclusion.

The post Beyond Games: Educating Rural India via Participatory Tools appeared first on S M Sehgal Foundation.

What happens when a school turns into a pond every monsoon?

That used to be everyday life for Government Senior Secondary School in Kherla village, Haryana. Each monsoon, the grounds filled with water. Morning prayers stopped. Sports were cancelled. Students avoided the flooded toilets. Learning came to a standstill.

But in 2021, things changed.

With help from S M Sehgal Foundation and a CSR-supported project, the school now has a recharge well. This single intervention transformed the campus. What once remained waterlogged for weeks now drains in just two days. In addition, the recharge well sends more than 1.5 million liters of rainwater back into the ground each year.

How does water management impact rural development?

Water affects everything: farming, health, education, and daily life. Over 80 percent of India’s water is used in agriculture. Without water, rural life struggles. With it, all life thrives.

Why water management matters?

What are the biggest water-related challenges in rural India?

Even with numerous schemes in place, rural India faces a water deficit caused by a mix of natural and man-made factors:

What are the key activities in rural water management?

To make water management work in agriculture and rural development, communities must adopt a range of strategies:

These core principles of integrated water management programs are designed for rural India.

What does smart water use look like in agriculture?

Farmers do not need more water; they need to use it smarter.

These tools reduce agricultural water use while growing more food. They make farms climate-ready and more profitable.

Why must the community lead water management efforts?

Real change begins when people lead.

Water affects each household differently. Locals know which well dries up first, or which area floods fastest. When communities manage their own water, the solutions stick due to their ownership, care, and long-term maintenance.

Women especially play a key role. They manage water daily. When they lead, the impact multiplies.

How can collaboration improve rural water systems?

The most successful water management projects are those where CSR, government, and NGOs work together.

In Kherla, this three-way partnership solved waterlogging as well as public health, groundwater depletion, and school dropout challenges.

What long-term benefits can rural India expect?

When rural communities actively manage water resources, the ripple effects last for generations. Improved water access management increases farmers’ potential which means he can grow more than one crop a year, increasing their income and reducing reliance on seasonal migration. Clean, available water also improves public health by reducing waterborne diseases and improving hygiene.

Children, especially girls, attend school more regularly when they do not have to walk miles for water. Women gain time for income-generating activities and community participation. Recharge wells, check dams, and watershed conservation protect against drought, floods, and soil erosion, making villages climate-resilient.

Over time, farming becomes more profitable, youth find reasons to stay, and migration slows. Stronger local economies emerge, powered by better yields, healthier families, and empowered communities. Water becomes not just a resource, but a foundation for lasting rural development.

A 2023 World Bank report noted that better water management systems in India could raise the country’s GDP by up to 6 percent. That scale of transformation is possible!

What exactly changed in Kherla?

Kherla village, Haryana, transformed through just one smart move, a recharge well.

So, is water the key to rural success?

Without a doubt, yes.

Water influences every aspect of rural development—from agriculture to education, from health to employment. And yet, water remains under-prioritized in policy, planning, and action. The Kherla example proves that small-scale, sustainable water management systems can solve large-scale problems if communities are at the heart of it.

Let us embed water management into every rural development program, not as an add-on, but as the foundation. Let us fund smart water management systems, promote watershed harvesting, and empower villagers to take the lead.

Because when rural India controls its water, it shapes its future.

Lalit Mohan Sharma
Principal Scientist, Water Research and Training

Lalit Mohan Sharma is the Principal Scientist, Water Management, at S M Sehgal Foundation, with over 20 years of experience in water and soil conservation. He has developed innovative solutions, such as the JalKalp Biosand Filter and MatiKalp ceramic filter, for providing safe drinking water, and presented a freshwater model at the UN Solution Summit 2015.

The post Why Water Management is the Key to Rural Development Success? appeared first on S M Sehgal Foundation.

As monsoon clouds roll over India’s vast landscape, they bring much-needed relief from summer heat and renewed hope for farmers and rural communities. However, despite the abundance that the rains offer, much of this precious water is lost, flowing away due to poor infrastructure, inadequate storage, and lack of awareness.

Monsoons offer a valuable shared opportunity for communities, governments, and organizations alike. The S M Sehgal Foundation team understands that the monsoon is not just a season; the monsoon season is an opportunity, a chance to conserve, recharge, and secure water for the months to come for water-scarce communities. So, the question arises why is water conservation necessary?

A Paradox of Plenty

India receives nearly 75 percent of its annual rainfall during the monsoon months, yet many rural communities face acute water scarcity year-round. This paradox is most visible and dire in states like Rajasthan and Bihar, where water either floods the fields or vanishes deep underground, out of reach. S M Sehgal Foundation has been working with partners in these regions to reverse this pattern by turning monsoons into opportunities for creating water security.

Success Story: Recharging Hope in Nuh, Haryana

In Nuh, Haryana, one of India’s most water-stressed districts, the foundation team works alongside local villagers to construct check dams and recharge wells. These simple yet powerful structures helped capture monsoon runoff that would otherwise have eroded fertile topsoil and disappeared into drains. More than 100 recharge structures across villages in Nuh have replenished groundwater tables and greatly reduced the drudgery for women who once walked miles to fetch water.

“Earlier, our wells would dry up by October. Now, water lasts till the next monsoon,” says Shabnam, a community member in Nuh.

From Runoff to Resource in Andhra Pradesh

In drought-prone Anantapur, S M Sehgal Foundation introduced rooftop rainwater harvesting systems in government schools. These systems collect and store rainwater for use during dry months, ensuring clean drinking water for students. What began as an infrastructure solution quickly became an educational one: children learned about the importance of water conservation and became ambassadors for change in their communities.

“My students now ask their parents to build rainwater systems at home,” shares a school principal. This ripple effect exemplifies the foundation’s work to promote community-led change.

Smart Technology, Smarter Farming

Monsoons are vital for India’s agriculture, but unpredictable rainfall can make farming a gamble. Through its Adaptive Technology–Agriculture (AT-A) initiative, Sehgal Foundation is piloting IoT-based irrigation solutions that optimize water use in farming and make water conservation in agriculture a reality. In collaboration with agricultural research institutes, these tools are tested on experimental plots and later introduced to farmers, turning monsoon variability into a manageable factor rather than a crisis.

Why Water Conservation Can’t Wait

As climate change amplifies the unpredictability of rainfall, water conservation projects can no longer be reactive, we must be proactive. The monsoon season is a critical window not just to harvest water, but to plant the seeds of behavioral change.

S M Sehgal Foundation combines traditional knowledge with modern water conservation techniques, which illustrates that rural India doesn’t lack the will to change, only the means. Whether constructing check dams, building rainwater harvesting units, or training farmers in water-smart agriculture, the impact is real and measurable.

What Can You Do to Turn This Monsoon Into a Movement?

India’s monsoon season holds immense potential—not just to replenish rivers and fields, but to create lasting water security in regions that face daily scarcity. Here’s how you can contribute meaningfully:

This monsoon season, let’s not watch the rain go down the drain. Let’s capture, conserve, and celebrate water—because every drop counts!

Article originally published on India CSR

Visit www.smsfoundation.org to learn how to be part of this transformation.

About the Author

Rajat Jay Sehgal
Chairperson, S M Sehgal Foundation

Rajat Jay Sehgal is chairperson of Sehgal Foundation and serves on the boards of Ashoka Trust for Research in Ecology and Environment and Hytech Seed India Pvt. Ltd. With a background in Business Administration and MIS from the University of Iowa, he played a key role in developing S M Sehgal Foundation to what it is at present. He has also been awarded with the Iowa Ag Leadership Award and the University of Iowa’s International Impact Award.

The post Monsoon Matters: Why Water Conservation Must Begin Today appeared first on S M Sehgal Foundation.

How can small-scale farmers thrive despite having limited land and resources?

In India, where more than 86 percent of farmers are classified as small-scale or marginal (NITI Aayog 2023), how to create sustainable livelihoods is more relevant than ever. These farmers form the backbone of India’s agricultural economy, yet they often face persistent challenges—low productivity, depleted soil health, and limited access to reliable markets.

Community-led initiatives and scientifically informed agricultural practices, however, are beginning to change this narrative.

This blog explores how thoughtful interventions—particularly in the areas of soil enrichment, capacity building, and corporate social responsibility (CSR) partnerships—are transforming the lives of smallholder farmers. The story of Sampangiramaiah, a farmer from Medahatti village in Karnataka, offers a powerful example of this transformation.

What challenges do small farmers face in India today?

Small-scale and marginal farmers—who constitute more than 85 percent of India’s agricultural population—typically own less than two hectares of land. Despite their critical role in the nation’s food system, they face structural challenges that severely constrain their productivity and economic security:

How can science-backed sustainable practices help?

To improve yield and ensure long-term productivity, moving toward sustainable agricultural practices is crucial. One such approach is the Package of Practices (PoP):

One of the effective way to improve soil quality by using the Combining these interventions with traditional methods like old water tank tank silt application creates a holistic farming model that enhances productivity and improve soil biological, physical and biological properties.

What is tank silt and how does it improve the soil?

India is home to more than two million traditional water bodies, many of which remain underutilized due to years of silt accumulation. Desilting these tanks restores their water-holding capacity and yields nutrient-rich silt that can be repurposed for agricultural use. The soil that is excavated during the desilting of village ponds or community water tanks offers several agronomic benefits when applied to farmland:

India Water Portal explains how tank silt rejuvenates degraded soil.

A real-world example: How did Sampangiramaiah’s farm transform?

Sampangiramaiah, a farmer from Medahatti village, Karnataka, faced low yields due to poor soil and limited resources. As part of a CSR project supported by First American (FAI) India and implemented by S M Sehgal Foundation, he adopted:

Before vs. After Comparison:

“The package of practices and the use of tank silt have made a real difference,” shares Sampangiramaiah.

Why does farmer training matter in sustainable agriculture?

Farming success depends not just on inputs but also on knowledge and skills:

Workshops, demo farms, and one-on-one guidance are vital for technology adoption.

How do community-led initiatives support small farmers?

Farmer training is the backbone of sustainable agriculture. This is more than supplying better seeds or fertilizers; farmers are empowered with the knowledge to make informed decisions for their land, crops, and communities. For small-scale and marginal farmers, hands-on training often leads to lasting, meaningful change.

What training does:

For Sampangiramaiah in Medahatti village, ongoing technical support through the FAI India and Sehgal Foundation partnership initiative made all the difference. It wasn’t just the tools—it was the consistent guidance, timely advice, and real-time problem-solving that helped him increase his yields in a sustainable way.

What are the long-term gains from blending tradition and innovation?

When traditional wisdom is complemented by scientific knowledge, the results are transformative:

Farmers like Sampangiramaiah are pioneers in this integration, proving that transformation is possible with the right tools.

Can CSR help rural agriculture scale up?

Yes! CSR initiatives are increasingly becoming key drivers in transforming rural agriculture. By providing financial support, technical training, and community mobilization, CSR-backed projects bridge gaps that small farmers alone cannot overcome.

These efforts create sustainable models that can be replicated across regions, as seen in the CSR partnership between First American (FAI) India and S M Sehgal Foundation, which supported farmers like Sampangiramaiah in adopting advanced agricultural practices.

What steps can help replicate this model elsewhere?

Can small farmers become sustainable entrepreneurs?

Yes! And many already are. By integrating sustainable practices, training, and access to resources, small farmers can:

With government and CSR support, this model can empower lakhs of farmers.

A roadmap for transforming lives through agriculture

The story of Sampangiramaiah from Karnataka showcases how simple yet targeted interventions, such as PoP, tank silt use along with continued support, can elevate the lives of smallholder farmers.

Scaling such efforts across India has the potential to make agriculture a viable and sustainable livelihood. The future depends on collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and recognizing farmers as key agents of change.

About the Author

Pawan Kumar
Principal Lead for Agriculture Development

Pawan Kumar is the Principal Lead for Agriculture Development at Sehgal Foundation, with over 27 years of experience in scaling NGO and CSR initiatives. An Oxford-educated development professional, recognized as one of the top agri-food pioneers by the World Food Prize Foundation in 2024, Pawan has a strong track record in organizational growth, fund mobilization, and sustainable development.

The post Agricultural Development: Transforming Small-scale Farmers’ Land and Lives appeared first on S M Sehgal Foundation.

Can a woman’s voice and a small backyard truly spark change in rural India?

She speaks her mind. She grows her own food. And she is redefining what it means to lead. Meet Rekha Kumari, a changemaker from the Women’s Leadership School in Muzaffarpur, Bihar. Through kitchen gardening and grassroots leadership training, women like Rekha are transforming not just their households but their entire communities.

The blog explores how simple efforts like leadership schools and kitchen gardens are helping rural women take charge of their future.

What are Women’s Leadership Schools, and why do they matter?

Women’s Leadership Schools are local learning spaces where rural women receive hands-on training in communication, civic awareness, and community leadership. These spaces help women find their voice, make informed decisions, and participate actively in the development of their villages.

Rekha Kumari’s journey, that started as quiet participation, has now grown into powerful local leadership. Today, she is a trusted voice for change.

How does a kitchen garden boost nutrition and self-reliance?

Kitchen gardening may seem simple, but its impact is profound—especially in areas where families struggle with poor diets and rising food prices. In Bihar, for example, NFHS-5 reports that 53 percent of rural women are anaemic and the growth of more than 40 percent of children is stunted. Kitchen gardens offer a sustainable fix.

For Rekha and her neighbors, gardening is about more than food—it is about independence.

What support makes this movement possible?

Real change does not happen in isolation. Behind every woman stepping into leadership, or growing her own food, lies a strong foundation of support. These grassroots transformations are not spontaneous; they are carefully nurtured by a mix of institutions, individuals, and partnerships working together.

Together these support systems create a safety net that empowers women to grow, lead, and sustain change. This web of support means that women like Rekha are not just learning—they are leading with confidence.

How can this model be scaled in other villages?

Scaling a model like Rekha Kumari’s journey is not just possible—it is practical. With the right steps, any village can nurture changemakers and food growers from within.

With the right momentum, what works in one village becomes a movement across districts.

What is the bigger impact of women leading change?

When women lead, everyone wins. Here’s how these efforts go beyond individuals:

According to FAO India, home gardens and women’s education together have been shown to significantly reduce child malnutrition.

Final thoughts: A garden, a voice, a revolution

Rekha Kumari is no exception—she is an example. Her story reminds us that every woman has the potential to lead, given the right tools and support. Leadership Schools and kitchen gardens may look small on paper; but on the ground, they are changing lives—one woman, one family, and one village at a time.

About the Author

Ms. Pooja O. Murada
Principal lead, Outreach for Development, S M Sehgal Foundation

Mass communications master’s; English honors; bridge marketing program (Tuck School of Business); over twenty years in brand management, marketing, and development communications in the corporate and development sector. Spearheaded a community radio in an aspirational district; former chairperson of the gender committee at Sehgal Foundation, invited ICC member, Volvo India, and former governing board member of Community Radio Association.

The post Women Leading Change via Leadership Schools and Kitchen Gardening appeared first on S M Sehgal Foundation.

Nuh district, formerly known as Mewat, is situated in Haryana and is recognized as one of the aspirational districts in India. Despite its proximity to the National Capital Region, Nuh has faced significant challenges in education, water security, and infrastructure. According to the 2011 Census, the district had a literacy rate of 56.1 percent, with female literacy at a mere 33.71 percent (source: www.census2011.co.in).

In response to these challenges, various Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives have been implemented to rejuvenate ponds and improve school infrastructure to ensure sustainable development and enhance the quality of life for residents.

Why Nuh Struggled: A Glimpse into Ground Realities

Located near India’s National Capital Region, Nuh district holds significant potential for inclusive growth and transformation. Despite facing developmental challenges, this region reflects the aspirations of its people. From education and water access to healthcare and livelihoods, the hurdles in Nuh have not been insurmountable—but opportunities for focused, community-driven progress.

1. Educational Challenges

Nuh’s educational landscape is evolving, though it still faces notable challenges.

Strengthening school infrastructure—ensuring clean water, safe toilets, and adequate classrooms—makes schools more welcoming, especially for girls. With improved student-teacher ratios, digital learning tools, and community involvement, Nuh has the potential to become a model for educational transformation in rural India.

2. Water Insecurity and Depleting Resources

Water insecurity is a pressing issue in Nuh, yet the district’s rich heritage of traditional water management—through ponds and stepwells—offers a blueprint for revival. While much of the groundwater remains saline, community-led water conservation and modern piped networks have helped reclaim safe and equitable water access.

The NITI Aayog has identified the urgency of addressing India’s water crisis, with Nuh at its forefront. Solutions like rainwater harvesting, rejuvenation of traditional sources, and smart water management have helped the region move toward sustainable water security.

3. Healthcare Deficits and Poor Nutritional Indicators

Healthcare access in Nuh remains a work in progress. Limited primary health centers and skilled personnel have contributed to challenges in maternal and child health. Yet, increased investment in mobile health units, telemedicine, and community health workers is already showing promise in bridging the care gap.

4. Poor Livelihood Opportunities

Nuh’s economy, anchored in agriculture and daily wage work, has improved subsequently with the right support. While small landholdings and limited irrigation have historically limited productivity, introducing sustainable agriculture practices and skill-building initiatives have opened up new avenues for income and dignity.

5. Gender Inequality and Social Barriers

Empowering women in Nuh is not just necessary—it is central to the region’s future. While traditional norms have limited women’s participation in public life, many local initiatives are already challenging the status quo.

Improving education access, menstrual hygiene, and self-help groups have helped girls and women reclaim agency over their lives. Tackling issues like early marriage and gender-based violence through legal awareness and community dialogue have further strengthened gender equality in the region.

Also Read: How Is Gender Inequality A Different Fight For Women In Urban And Rural Areas

CSR Initiatives: A Beacon of Hope

Recognizing the urgent need for intervention, several organizations have undertaken CSR projects focusing on pond rejuvenation and school improvement in Nuh.

Pond Rejuvenation: Reviving Traditional Water Sources

In rural India, ponds serve as critical reservoirs for irrigation, domestic use, and livestock. Beyond their utilitarian value, they help recharge groundwater and sustain biodiversity. However, decades of neglect, unregulated waste disposal, and silt accumulation have rendered many ponds nonfunctional. According to a 2023 NITI Aayog report, nearly 40 percent of India’s groundwater blocks are overexploited, and water bodies like ponds must be restored to address this crisis.

Case Study: Uleta Pond Restoration

In Uleta village of Nuh district, a targeted CSR initiative, supported by S M Sehgal Foundation, exemplifies how pond rejuvenation enhances community resilience. The intervention included:

As a result, the rejuvenated pond has become a year-round water source, improving agricultural productivity and restoring the local ecological balance.

School Improvement: Building Foundations for the Future

Education is a key enabler for long-term rural development. However, infrastructural deficits in rural schools—like broken toilets, leaky roofs, and lack of clean drinking water—often lead to absenteeism and school dropouts, especially among girls. As per the Annual Status of Education Report (ASER) 2023, 25 percent of rural government schools still lack usable toilets for girls, and 28 percent lack drinking-water facilities.

Case Study: Manuwas School Transformation

To bridge this gap, S M Sehgal Foundation, under its CSR-led intervention, undertook significant infrastructure upgrades in the Government High School of Manuwas village. Project outcomes include:

These improvements have led to measurable increases in student retention and engagement, showing how infrastructure is foundational to learning outcomes.

Also Read: Transformation Brings New Life to the School

Community Engagement: The Heart of Sustainable Development

True sustainability is achieved when communities are not just beneficiaries but active stakeholders in development. CSR projects that embed local participation in their design are more likely to endure and evolve. A 2023 UNDP India study on rural sustainability notes that “community involvement increases project efficiency by 35 percent and sustainability by over 50 percent.”

Formation of Village Committees

In the case of Nuh’s development efforts, Village Management and Development Committees (VMDCs) have been instrumental. These bodies:

Capacity Building and Training

Beyond infrastructure, behavioral change and knowledge sharing have been priorities. The foundation facilitated:

These initiatives empower residents with the tools to manage and maintain local assets, ensuring that benefits are long-term and not donor-dependent.

Impact Assessment: Measuring Success

The CSR initiatives in Nuh have yielded significant positive outcomes:

Challenges and Lessons Learned

Despite the successes, several challenges persist:

A Model for Rural Development

The CSR efforts in Nuh demonstrate the transformative potential of targeted interventions in water and education sectors. By combining infrastructure development with community engagement, these projects offer a replicable model for rural development across India.

About the Author

Priya Chaudhary
Social Impact, CSR, and Gender & Development

Priya Chaudhary is an expert in Social Impact, CSR, and Gender & Development with a focus on gender equity, social inclusion, and evidence-based change. With extensive experience in project management, storytelling, and qualitative research, she has worked on various NGO marketing and development projects.

The post Transforming Nuh’s Villages: CSR Efforts in Pond Rejuvenation and School Improvement appeared first on S M Sehgal Foundation.

Can rural communities solve India’s water crisis?

The answer lies in collaboration, awareness, and grassroots action.

India is home to 18% of the world’s population but has only 4% of its water resources. Rural India, which relies heavily on groundwater and monsoon-fed sources, faces acute stress due to erratic rainfall, over-extraction, and climate change. According to the Central Ground Water Board, over 1,114 blocks in India are classified as overexploited or critical in terms of groundwater (source: CGWB 2023 Report).

While infrastructure and policy are crucial, real change often begins at the community level. When villagers come together, backed by knowledge and local leadership, they create sustainable models of water management that improve availability and strengthen social equity.

Understanding the Rural Water Security Challenge

India’s rural areas face multifaceted water issues:

Why Community-Led Approaches Matter

Top-down water programs often struggle due to a lack of local ownership, limited maintenance, and weak monitoring. In contrast, community-led efforts integrating traditional knowledge with technology have shown greater adaptability and sustainability.

Here’s why community involvement is essential:

Examples of Community-Led Success

Across India, several models have emerged that demonstrate the impact of grassroots water management:

1. Pani Panchayats in Maharashtra

Water user associations (WUA) known as “Pani Panchayats” empower farmers to equitably share canal water. These community-led bodies create crop calendars, resolve disputes, and manage infrastructure repairs. Studies show that such associations reduce water wastage by up to 30% and increase irrigation efficiency.

2. Johad Revival in Alwar, Rajasthan

The famous case of Tarun Bharat Sangh and water warrior Rajendra Singh involved reviving thousands of traditional water harvesting structures, percolating ponds called johads. Over 1,200 villages saw wells refilled, rivers revived, and crop cycles extended.

3. Jalagam 2.0 by S M Sehgal Foundation

The Jalagam 2.0 initiative, supported by S M Sehgal Foundation, builds awareness and capacity among stakeholders to ensure long-term water security. Workshops held in Bikaner and Indore brought together government departments, academia, NGOs, and rural leaders to share ideas on community-led water stewardship, women’s role in water governance, and climate-resilient agriculture.

Also Read: Community Water Tank Initiative Provides Access to Water

Key Pillars of Community-Led Water Security

Achieving sustainable rural water security requires more than just physical infrastructure-it demands active participation, shared knowledge, and inclusive decision-making at the grassroots level. The following pillars form the foundation of successful community-led water initiatives that are not only resilient but also equitable and self-sustaining:

1. Water Literacy and Capacity Building

Empowering communities begins with education. Workshops, street plays, and school programs help demystify terms such as aquifer, recharge, and watershed. In areas with high illiteracy, visual storytelling tools like wall paintings and mobile van campaigns have proved effective.

S M Sehgal Foundation’s Jalagam 2.0 initiative prioritises such engagements, helping villagers understand the science of water, so they become stewards of their local resources.

2. Reviving Traditional Water Systems

India’s water heritage includes tanks, baolis (stepwells), check dams, and ponds. These structures, once central to community life, are being restored by citizen groups.

Restoration not only improves supply but also replenishes groundwater, recharges wells, and revives ecosystems.

3. Promoting Efficient Use

Training sessions in Jalagam workshops have introduced such ideas, backed by demonstrations and farmer testimonials.

4. Women as Water Champions

Rural women are the primary water managers in most households. Yet their participation in planning and governance remains limited.

Initiatives that include women’s SHGs, local leaders, and village water committees create more-inclusive solutions. According to a UNICEF report, projects with strong women’s leadership saw 60% better sustainability in water infrastructure.

In the Jalagam 2.0 workshops, dedicated panels discussed the role of women in water governance and community awareness. Women shared their experiences as change agents in rural water conservation.

Also Read: Women Water Champion recognition for Kunti Gupta

5. Convergence of Institutions

True water security needs coordination. When village communities align with gram panchayats, health departments, agricultural extension workers, and NGOs, the results amplify.

The Jalagam platform has proven that institutional convergence, when built on mutual trust and a shared goal, strengthens every link in the water chain-from source to consumption.

Technology as a Catalyst

Digital tools are helping communities plan better:

In Madhya Pradesh, the Jal Vikas app lets panchayats map and monitor water sources. In Bihar, real-time groundwater sensors are being piloted to ensure sustainable extraction.

These tools, when used with training and context, become enablers of transparency and planning.

Policy Support for Community Initiatives

The Jal Jeevan Mission has a clear focus on community ownership. It mandates village-level implementation support agencies (ISAs) to train communities in planning, implementing, and maintaining piped water schemes. As of April 2024, over 12.6 crore rural households have been connected with tap water (Ministry of Jal Shakti).

Moreover, the Atal Bhujal Yojana supports water budgeting and planning at the gram panchayat level in water-stressed states. Its key innovation is performance-based grants for sustainable use.

Yet, implementation gaps remain. Many communities still lack technical know-how, funds, or institutional hand-holding. This is where organisations such as S M Sehgal Foundation fill a critical gap-offering capacity building, scientific tools, and platforms for cross-learning.

The Road Ahead: Scaling Community Water Resilience

Water security is not just about infrastructure; it is about people. When communities understand their catchment, use water judiciously, revive old systems, and demand accountability, transformation begins.

Needs to scale such efforts include:

In a country as diverse and challenging as India, one-size-fits-all solutions don’t work. But empowered communities build tailored, resilient, and lasting water models. The work of platforms like Jalagam 2.0, and hundreds of village efforts across the country, prove that when people lead and collaborate, water security is not a dream-it becomes a legacy.

Every empowered village can write its own water success story.

About the Author

Lalit Mohan Sharma
Principal Scientist, Water Research and Training

Lalit Mohan Sharma is the Principal Scientist, Water Management, at S M Sehgal Foundation, with over 20 years of experience in water and soil conservation. He has developed innovative solutions, such as the JalKalp Biosand Filter and MatiKalp ceramic filter, for providing safe drinking water, and presented a freshwater model at the UN Solution Summit 2015.

The post Build Rural Water Security Through Community-Led Sustainability Efforts appeared first on S M Sehgal Foundation.

What happens when rural women gain access to finance, resources, and community support?

A quiet revolution begins.

According to a 2024 report, women now own 20.5% of India’s micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), with a growing number of entrepreneurs (BW Businessworld). This surge signals a powerful shift in the rural economy with microfinance and Self-Help Groups (SHGs) creating pathways for women to lead sustainable businesses and uplift their communities.

Microfinance supports rural women by providing small loans and financial services to low-income women. Self-Help Groups (SHGs), typically formed by women in rural India, are grassroots collectives that save together and access microcredit to build their economic resilience and drive change.

Together, microfinance through SHGs in India has transformed the rural entrepreneurial landscape. These tools empower women with money, build confidence, skills, and fosters a sense of women-driven rural entrepreneurship.

The Ground Reality: What Are the Barriers Faced by Rural Women of India?

Despite significant improvements in financial inclusion, rural women in India continue to face systemic challenges:

1. Societal Constraints

In many rural parts of India, women are still expected to stay home and follow strict traditions. These cultural rules often prevent them from making their own decisions, especially when it comes to money and work. Even if a woman wants to start a small business, she might not get permission from her family or community. This lack of independence holds back her dreams and potential.

2. Lack of Financial Literacy

Most rural women have limited knowledge about how banks work or how to manage money effectively. They might not know how to open a bank account, save money, or take a small business loan. Because they haven’t been exposed to these things, they often feel nervous or unsure about stepping into financial activities. Without proper support and guidance, they struggle to grow financially.

3. Limited Mobility and Exposure

In traditional rural communities, many women don’t travel alone or go far from their homes. This limits their chances of attending training sessions, meeting new people, or selling their products in nearby markets. Without seeing how businesses work or learning from others, it becomes harder for them to start or grow any kind of income activity. Their world stays small, even if they have big dreams.

4. Resource Scarcity

Even if a woman has a great business idea, she usually doesn’t have the tools or money to make it happen. Basic things like startup capital, raw materials, or even space to work are often out of reach. Many don’t own land or assets, making it difficult to take loans. Without these resources, it becomes nearly impossible for rural women to turn their skills into sustainable income.

These barriers explain why, in Husaini village of Mathura’s Chhata block, none of the twelve active SHGs were running income-generating activities—until recently.

From Inactivity to Enterprise: The Story of Shree Ji SHG

In Husaini, Uttar Pradesh, S M Sehgal Foundation initiated a transformative intervention under a CSR-supported project. The village’s Shree Ji SHG, comprised of ten women, was selected to establish a mustard oil expeller unit—an idea rooted in local resource availability and potential demand.

What are the Key Elements of the Intervention?

What began as a micro-enterprise idea soon evolved into a functioning business run by rural women—breaking barriers and setting an example for other women.

Impact on the Ground: What Tangible Shift was Noticed After the Launch of this Transformational Intervention?

Over the past fourteen months (Dec 2023–Jan 2025), the Shree Ji SHG generated a revenue of ₹11.03 lakh. Each of the ten women involved is now contributing to their household incomes, improving their families’ standard of living, and securing long-term stability.

The initiative has also created a ripple effect:

The Voice from a Beneficiary

Akila, a landless woman and member of the SHG, shares:

“I used to depend on uncertain wage labor. Now I have a consistent income and can pay for my children’s education. We started small, learned from the market, and slowly grew confident in managing production and sales. Today our product reaches beyond the village.”

What is the Role of Microfinance in Enabling Women Entrepreneurs?

The transformation seen in Husaini village through the Shree Ji SHG is not an isolated success—it’s part of a growing movement across rural India, where microfinance and self-help groups are unlocking the hidden potential of women. Microfinance doesn’t just offer credit—it builds confidence, community, and long-term capabilities. Here’s how:

1. Easy Access to Credit

Traditional banks often ask for collateral or formal income proofs—something most rural women lack. Microfinance institutions, on the other hand, offer small, low-interest loans that are accessible even to landless women like Akila from Shree Ji SHG. With the support of the CSR-backed initiative, the group accessed the funds needed to purchase a mustard expeller and set up the business. For women who never imagined owning or running a machine, access to this initial capital was the first step toward entrepreneurship.

2. Collective Responsibility

In the SHG model, every member is jointly responsible for loan repayments and business outcomes. This system builds trust and encourages regular engagement. The ten women of Shree Ji SHG didn’t just receive individual loans—they formed a community of support. They worked together through challenges such as arranging for electricity infrastructure and coordination to keep the unit running. The pressure of collective responsibility pushed everyone to stay committed and accountable.

3. Empowerment through Savings

Regular savings, even as little as ₹10 a week, gradually help women build a safety net. These habits introduce financial discipline and security into their lives. For the women of Husaini, being part of the SHG meant learning how to manage earnings, reinvest profits, and plan expenses. Over time, they moved from uncertain daily wages to a structured business model that offered consistent income, as seen in their ₹11 lakh revenue over fourteen months.

4. Increased Bargaining Power

When women earn their own income, their voices grow stronger. For the members of Shree Ji SHG, success brought them more than money. It gave them dignity and recognition within their households and the larger village community. The support of male counterparts grew as the business expanded, and the women began to make decisions that affected their families’ future—such as investing in their children’s education or improving household facilities.

In Husaini, microfinance didn’t just launch a mustard oil business—it lit a spark of confidence, independence, and transformation. The Shree Ji SHG story proves how targeted support, when combined with training and community backing, can fuel women’s entrepreneurship in even the most traditional rural areas.

How to Drive Entrepreneurship Through Capacity Building?

Financial assistance alone is not enough. Entrepreneurial growth in rural areas needs consistent capacity-building support for women entrepreneurs that includes:

These steps were integrated in the Husaini intervention—ensuring sustainable growth and self-reliance.

Collaborations That Work: Government, NGOs, and Community

The synergy between government institutions, NGOs, and local communities can fast-track rural entrepreneurship. In Husaini, partnerships with ICAR–NRCRM and UPSRLM played a crucial role in legitimising and scaling the venture.

Such collaborations help to:

In the long run, this network of support creates an ecosystem where rural women feel seen, supported, and successful.

Looking Ahead: What Needs to Be Done?

To replicate this success across rural India, consider the following measures:

More Than Income, It’s Empowerment

Microfinance and SHGs are not merely financial tools—they’re instruments of social change. When women like Akila take charge of a business, it transforms not just their income, but their status, confidence, and role in society.

The success story of Shree Ji SHG in Husaini is a shining example of how the right support, combined with community trust and women’s resilience, can spark entrepreneurship in new places. By scaling such interventions, we can unlock the vast untapped potential of rural women entrepreneurs across India.

About the Author

Pawan Kumar
Principal Lead for Agriculture Development

Pawan Kumar is the Principal Lead for Agriculture Development at Sehgal Foundation, with over 27 years of experience in scaling NGO and CSR initiatives. An Oxford-educated development professional, recognized as one of the top agri-food pioneers by the World Food Prize Foundation in 2024, Pawan has a strong track record in organizational growth, fund mobilization, and sustainable development.

The post Microfinance and Self-Help Groups (SHGs): Fueling Women’s Entrepreneurship in Rural Areas of India appeared first on S M Sehgal Foundation.