Seva Mandir

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Seva Mandir

India's top grassroots nonprofit organization working across 1,500 villages in southern Rajasthan Seva Mandir (lit.

trans. 'Temple of Service') has been working in one of the world’s poorest regions, where people live on an average of USD 0.50 a day, to build cohesive and inclusive communities whose members are able to participate actively in the local decision making. It is currently headed by Chief Executive, Ronak Shah. Every year, 6,000 disadvantaged children receive a quality education in its schools; 8,00

0 women and children out of reach of hospitals are offered critical health services; thousands more families achieve food security and sustainable livelihoods through the rehabilitation of hundreds of acres of land; and 9,000 women move closer to gender equality and financial independence through women’s groups and lending cooperatives. What is distinctive about Seva Mandir is that it does not just deliver aid, but instead uses every development project as a way to build stronger communities. This is accomplished through 532 Village Forums and associated Village Funds, which co-manage all Seva Mandir projects and ensure that citizens themselves take responsibility for their village. Over time, these Forums have grown into institutions of just governance, turning Seva Mandir projects into sustained investments in more self-sufficient and equitable communities. At Seva Mandir, very modest amounts of money go a very long way toward improving people’s lives, and our success has been recognised through a long list of awards and partnerships with distinguished funders and the Indian government. To support us please visit our website: www.sevamandir.org

14/05/2026

Across the villages of Delwara, Khamnor, and Kumbhalgarh in South Rajasthan, women farmers—who have long remained at the centre of agriculture and household sustenance—are expanding their livelihoods through learning, collective support, and new opportunities. 🌱
Through the Kaabil Initiative by Mahindra & Mahindra, 1,500 women farmers across 24 villages are strengthening their agricultural skills and building sustainable livelihoods through natural farming, floriculture, vegetable cultivation, entrepreneurship, and functional literacy.
The change is visible not only in increased incomes, but also in growing confidence, self-reliance, and the belief that new possibilities can emerge through existing resources and collective learning. The initiative demonstrates how small interventions can lead to larger transformations, impacting entire regions.
We are proud to partner with the Kaabil Initiative and the Mahindra Group in their commitment to empowering rural women and building sustainable livelihoods. ✨

13/05/2026

Real change often begins with a shared concern—and grows through collective action. Jawas village, in Udaipur district of Rajasthan, shows how communities can come together to not just address a challenge, but reshape their surroundings with ownership and pride.

Grateful to HDFC Bank Parivartan for supporting this journey towards more sustainable villages. 🌿

08/05/2026

At just 17, Geeta Kharwar from Majera village of Rajsamand district in Rajasthan, has become the first girl in her family—and her village—to pursue Science education in the city. 🌱

Daughter of daily wage labourers, Geeta challenged social barriers with determination, hard work, and support through the Peter Patel Next Step Fund.
From scoring 85% in Class 10 to preparing for the JET exam to study Agriculture, she is steadily building a future that once seemed out of reach for girls around her.
Established in memory of Mr. Peter Patel and carried forward by Mrs. Cati Patel, the Next Step Fund continues to support individuals from vulnerable and underserved backgrounds through education, livelihoods, and community-led initiatives.
This year, 58 applicants both from rural and urban regions were carefully reviewed - out of which 40 were supported for education and another 18 were women farmers supported to enhance their incomes in agriculture.
More than financial assistance, the initiative nurtures confidence, self-reliance, and opportunities for long-term empowerment.

Today, Geeta’s journey is inspiring other girls in her village to continue their education, choose Science, and dream bigger. ✨

22/04/2026

At Seva Mandir, we are committed to caring for our planet through consistent, community-driven action. It is in the hands of these communities that we see nature being nurtured in its most natural and sustainable form.

Often, this movement begins with one individual taking a step—and grows as others join in. Alone, change has its limits, but when one becomes many, the unimaginable becomes possible.

This World Earth Day, we celebrate the power of communities who protect and restore our shared environment. We stand alongside them—as their efforts grow, reaching more people and creating lasting change. 🌿

World Earth Day 2026
Out Planet. Our Power.

20/04/2026

Sanstha Diwas | Seva Mandir’s Foundation Day Celebrations – 19 and 20 April ✨

“Anthropologist Margaret Mead identified the earliest sign of civilisation not as pottery or tools, but as a healed human femur. She pointed out that a healed bone is evidence that someone cared for an injured person—an act representing the birth of compassion, empathy and community over mere survival.”

As part of his lecture on the occasion of the 131st birth anniversary of Dr Mohan Sinha Mehta—founder of Seva Mandir, the Mohan Sinha Mehta Memorial Trust and Vidya Bhawan—keynote speaker, noted thinker and writer Shri Purushottam Agrawal drew on various historical references to underscore one central idea: “To be human is to be compassionate,” he said.

Quoting instances from the lives of Margaret Mead, Rousseau, Gandhi, Lala Lajpat Rai and several others, and presenting a critique of different views on civilisation, Prof. Purushottam emphasised that despite cultural differences, certain universal values prevail. Our role, he said, should be to seek a ‘civilisational dialogue’ rather than be driven by a misguided ‘sense of assertion’.

The Dr Mohan Sinha Mehta Memorial Lecture was organised at the Vidya Bhawan auditorium on 19 April on the theme “Civilisation: Critique, Conflict, and Dialogue”.

On 20 April, Seva Mandir’s 58th Foundation Day, a discussion was held on one of Dr Mohan’s letters on why poverty persists. Members of the Seva Mandir family shared their thoughts and deliberated on the role of institutions in grassroots development. Later, in the samuday baithak, staff members shared their experiences and suggestions on how the organisation can continue to improve in its journey ahead.

Ronak Shah, CE (Seva Mandir), shared the four Cs guiding Seva Mandir’s future course—community, capacity-building, communications and collaboration. He noted that despite uncertainty in the sector, Seva Mandir has adapted by diversifying risk without compromising its core mission: to build and strengthen communities.

A renewed commitment to seekh (learning), samvaad (dialogue) and samuday (community)—this continues to define Seva Mandir’s journey. 🌱

18/04/2026

On the occasion of our 58th Foundation Day, we remember Dr. Mohan Sinha Mehta, visionary educationist and the founder of Seva Mandir.🌱

He believed that freedom holds little meaning without constructive work. His faith lay in rural development that emerges from within communities—grounded in participation, dignity, and self-reliance.
His vision for Seva Mandir was to work 'with' people, not for people—strengthening local institutions, promoting education, and enabling individuals to shape their own futures.

Seva Mandir began its journey through Adult Literacy Programme, recognising the light that education is to dispel the darkness of ignorance.
His ideas continue to guide our journey towards a more just, inclusive, and empowered society.

In honour of this occasion and to commemorate his memory, we are hosting a public lecture by eminent scholar - Shri Purushottam Agrawal on 19 April, 5 pm onwards.
We cordially invite you to join us, in person or through online mode.✨

Online meeting link -

https://us06web.zoom.us/j/87569468816?pwd=BTRxnUY1nbRI6oBiiA9YGLPpX1u32s.1
Meeting ID: 875 6946 8816
Passcode: 467777

19 April, 5 pm onwards

16/04/2026

Voices from the Commons |

2026 marks the International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists—a global call to recognise the vital role of rangelands and the communities who sustain them.

At the Rajasthan Shaamlaat Adhiveshan held in Jaipur on 15th and 16th April 2026, diverse stakeholders—government, civil society, and academia—came together to reflect, learn, and co-create pathways to strengthen our shared natural resources.

As Ronak Shah, CE, Seva Mandir, highlighted—this is not just a conference, but a 'call to collective action to protect and revive our commons.' The experiences shared here hold lessons not only for Rajasthan, but for regions across India and beyond.

From storytelling by grassroots change-makers to critical dialogues on water security, resilience, and community-led conservation, the conversations reaffirmed one truth:

Sustainable futures depend on empowering those who work closest with nature.🌱✨

Let’s move forward with stronger policies, inclusive governance, and grounded action to secure pastoral livelihoods and restore our ecosystems.🍀

13/04/2026

With the changing realities of rural India, relying on a single source of livelihood is no longer sustainable.
Yet, many remain unaware of the diverse opportunities available to them.
At Seva Mandir, we believe that small, well-supported interventions across multiple areas can reduce risk, build resilience, expand income opportunities, and contribute to improved nutrition and overall well-being.
Farzana’s journey reflects this shift—showing how, with the right knowledge and support, it is possible to build stronger, more secure livelihoods using existing resources.
Because this is not just about increasing incomes—it is about reducing drudgery, restoring dignity, and strengthening communities.

Through our work, we continue to create spaces where people can come together, learn, and explore pathways towards self-reliance and growth. 🌿

10/04/2026

A single tree can sustain life in multiple ways. 🌳
Now imagine millions doing so.
With over 14 million trees planted, Seva Mandir continues its commitment to restoring ecosystems and strengthening communities through afforestation.
Because every tree matters—and together, they transform landscapes. 🌱
We are grateful to our partners who make this work possible. 🤝

07/04/2026

“Together for Health. Stand with Science.”
This World Health Day, we reflect on how everyday health practices are often shaped by beliefs—some helpful, others harmful.
From misconceptions around pregnancy diets and newborn care to doubts about essential supplements, these myths can impact the well-being of mothers and children.
At Seva Mandir, we work closely with communities to address these gaps—promoting simple, accessible, science-based practices. Families learn how to use local foods to improve nutrition, while regular counselling and home visits ensure these practices are sustained.

Real change happens when communities come together for health- and choose science. 🌱✨

Address

Seva Mandir Marg, Old Fatehpura
Udaipur
313001

Telephone

+912942451041

Website

https://www.sevamandir.org/

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