S M Sehgal Foundation (SMSF) received the prestigious 5th National Water Award 2024 by the Ministry of Jal Shakti, Department of Water Resources, River Development, and Ganga Rejuvenation, Government of India, with a special mention in the Best Civil Society category.
The SMSF Water Management Program focuses on harvesting and storing rainwater, replenishing groundwater, reviving traditional water bodies, and promoting access to safe drinking water through innovative, low-cost technologies and encouraging WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) behavior change.
The Honorable President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu, served as chief guest at the event and made presentations to the first awardees in all categories. Cabinet Minister Shri C R Patil and state water ministers and secretaries presented the remaining awards at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi. The Ministry of Jal Shakti Secretary, Ms. Vini Mahajan, shared that over 600 applications were received across nine categories. A jury panel selected thirty-eight organizations for awards and special mentions.
This same week, S M Sehgal Foundation was also recognized with a Fortune Leadership Award in the “Most Trusted NGO” category. Ms. Anjali Makhija, Trustee & CEO of S M Sehgal Foundation, dedicated both awards to the partners who supported the on-the-ground interventions and to the rural communities “who trusted in us,” saying that this recognition will inspire the organization to further strengthen its efforts.
S M Sehgal Foundation has worked for twenty-five years to improve lives in rural India by addressing critical issues such as food security, water security, and strengthening community-led development initiatives across rural India. Operating across thirteen states and more than 12,700 villages, the foundation has reached 5.27 million people with its mission to drive social, economic, and environmental change through efforts in water management, agricultural development, and transforming the lives of schoolchildren. S M Sehgal Foundation continues to make a meaningful impact in rural communities.