May was a month of strengthening the systems that enable communities to lead from within. From advancing Community Forest Rights and PESA processes to nurturing grassroots leadership and collective planning, we witnessed communities taking greater ownership of their natural resources and local governance. Sharing a brief snapshot of our work during the month.
Empowering Communities for Self-Reliant Grassroots Leadership
258 young men, women, and farmers from 61 villages underwent training across 4 distinct dimensions of empowerment, leadership, and skill development
Youth developed problem-solving & leadership skills through village mapping, collective reflection, & discussions on community-led development. Adolescent girls enhanced their knowledge of health, nutrition, confidence, and social leadership, while farmers gained exposure to improved livestock management practices. Social entrepreneurship training fostered eco-friendly craftsmanship, cultural pride, and self-reliant village-based livelihoods.
Community Ownership, Planning and Coordination
265+ community members from 40 villages participated in meetings across multiple levels of engagement and dimensions of rural development
Participants reviewed ongoing initiatives, planned upcoming activities, and coordinated efforts for trainings, campaigns, and district-level engagements. Discussions also focused on Arogya Van Saptah preparations, youth group formation, women’s participation, and strengthening collaboration among villages and development centres.
Connecting Professional Achievement with Community Responsibility
10 tribal professionals came together to strengthen their role in advancing community-led development
Karmachari Sampark provides a platform for professionally established members of the tribal community to contribute to grassroots development efforts. During the meeting, participants reviewed Shivganga’s ongoing initiatives, identified areas for meaningful contribution, and discussed ways to remain actively engaged in community progress.
Strengthening Grassroots Leadership
105 Shivganga Volunteers participated in a Capacity Building & action planning training to shape the year’s development initiatives
For 10 Days, the participants immersed themselves in a disciplined rhythm of physical, intellectual, and spiritual practices that fostered deep reflection and collective learning. Through discussions, activities, and development block- and initiative-wise exercises, they assessed village realities, set priorities, and charted a shared course for the year ahead.
Advancing Community Stewardship of Forests through Collective Action and Rights Awareness
2,200+ community members from 53 villages engaged at various stages of the Community Forest Rights movement
Villages strengthened their understanding of legal provisions through trainings, completed documentation and verification processes, and collectively mobilized to submit Community Forest Rights claims before administrative authorities through Gram Sabha-led action
Tribal Voices Emerging as Champions of Self-Governance, Community Forest Rights & PESA
Shri Puniya Bhai of Rakhadiya & Shri Ramu Bhai Vakhala of Amliphaliya, Jhabua shared insights on the effective implementation of Community Forest Rights and PESA at a national workshop held at IGNTU Amarkantak
They highlighted the Bhil community’s traditional social structure, cultural practices, and customary justice systems, while contributing to discussions on the role of Gram Sabhas and the preservation of indigenous knowledge and institutions with the participants from across the country.
Inspiring Social Responsibility among Future Healthcare Professionals
Shivganga President Shri Mahesh Sharma shared what it truly means to devote one’s life, abilities, and resources to the service of society before 200 medical students
During the two-day Personality Development Camp organised by Sevankur in Pune, Shri Mahesh Ji’s sessions centred on the spirit of Sewa, the willingness to dedicate one’s life, abilities, and resources for the good of society. His reflections sparked thoughtful dialogue with students on service, social responsibility, and the values that lend purpose and meaning to life
Celebrating Tribal Identity, Heritage, and Cultural Unity
Shri Mahesh Sharma, Shri Harsh Chouhan, and Shri Rajaram Katara represented the Bhil community of Jhabua at the Janjatiya Sanskritik Samagam marking Bhagwan Birsa Munda’s 150th Birth Anniversary Year.
Calling the occasion a historic moment, Shri Harsh Ji emphasized that tribal communities are the roots of India’s civilizational heritage. Honouring the sacrifices of Bhagwan Birsa Munda, Tantya Bhil, and the heroes of the Santhal Rebellion, he urged the community to preserve its rich culture and legacy for generations to come.
