From Humble Beginnings to an Unlikely Leader
Udaylal Suthar's journey is not one you hear every day. Born in a poor family in Kishanpura village, Rajsamand district, Udaylal had to leave school after the fifth grade. At just 14, he migrated to Bombay in 1973 to earn a living as a carpenter. Life in the bustling city offered progress, but fate had other plans.

A Return to Roots and a Call to Serve
In 2018, Udaylal returned to his village after his father's passing. His encounter with Seva Mandir, an institution dedicated to social service, sparked something within him. Inspired by their vision, Udaylal invited them to his village. Soon, a 15-member Gram Vikas Committee was formed, with Udaylal as its president. Uniting 65 families across different castes was no easy task, but Udaylal's determination shone through.

Battling Encroachment with Unwavering Resolve
Udaylal's leadership was put to the test when encroachers threatened the village's 30-hectare pasture land. With collective effort, funds were raised, and boundaries were marked. When encroachers resisted, Udaylal fearlessly confronted them and sought legal action. His persistence led to the removal of encroachers and the restoration of the land.

A Vision for a Greener Future
Encouraged by this success, Udaylal set his sights on developing the remaining 283 bighas of pasture land. Facing threats from influential landowners, Udaylal and the villagers stood firm. After a year and a half of relentless struggle, legal action was taken, freeing 100 bighas of land, now flourishing with trees. The fight continues for the remaining land, but Udaylal remains undeterred.

Recognizing a True Grassroots Hero
In 2022, Udaylal's tireless efforts earned him the prestigious Umed Mal Lodha Environment Award. While receiving the award, he humbly credited Seva Mandir and the collective strength of his village.

Inspiring Change, One Step at a Time
Udaylal Suthar's story is a testament to how one voice, driven by a vision, can inspire an entire community. His unwavering spirit reminds us that true leadership often comes from the most unexpected places. As we celebrate his journey, may it ignite a spark in many more to stand up for what is right and protect our environment for generations to come.