A Humble Beginning in Dhanodar
Born in 1969 in Dhanodar village, Udaipur district, Prabhulal Garasiya's life was never easy. Farming and labor were his only means of livelihood, and with three children studying, he had to work tirelessly to support his family. But little did he know that his journey would inspire an entire community and lead to remarkable transformation.

The Spark of Change
Prabhulal's association with Seva Mandir began during his adult education classes. While working as a forester, he frequently visited neighboring villages to oversee community projects. It was during one such visit that an idea took root-to bring Seva Mandir's support to his own village. Taking matters into his own hands, he organized a village meeting, and with unanimous support, was elected President of the Village Development Committee, Dhanodar.

Standing Up Against Encroachment
One of the village's most pressing issues was the encroachment of common pasture land by four influential individuals. Restoring the land meant facing threats-even death threats. But Prabhulal, fueled by his unwavering determination, refused to back down. Instead, he rallied the villagers, engaged in persistent dialogue, and finally convinced the encroachers to vacate the land peacefully. His courage and resilience set the foundation for a larger movement of change.

Rebuilding the Village, One Step at a Time
With support from Seva Mandir, redevelopment of the pasture land began. Fences were built, trees were planted, and a check dam was constructed. The impact was far-reaching-better water retention, improved soil quality, and increased agricultural productivity. Recognizing their efforts, the Gram Vikas Committee of Dhanodar was honored with the Umed Mal Lodha Environment Award in 2007.

A Vision for Sustainable Development
Prabhulal's leadership didn't stop at land restoration. Through collective community action, two water dams were built, significantly boosting farmers' incomes. Wells and water tanks ensured access to clean drinking water for most households. Education centers were set up to bring more children into schools, and women's savings groups empowered local women to take control of their finances and social issues. His relentless efforts even resulted in a fair-price shop being established, saving villagers from long journeys for essential goods.

An Inspiration for Generations
Prabhulal Garasiya credits his success to the collective spirit of his village and the unwavering support of Seva Mandir. His journey exemplifies how true leadership isn't about power-it's about service, resilience, and the ability to uplift those around you. In recognition of his tireless dedication, he was honored with the Umed Mal Lodha Environment Award 2023. His story stands as a beacon of hope, proving that even one determined individual can bring lasting change.

His story is not just about overcoming odds-it's about redefining them.