Humble Beginnings, Big Dreams
In the quiet village of Vanibor, Rajasthan, Jaan Mohammad Makrani was born into a family that struggled to make ends meet. Limited financial resources meant that his education was cut short at the eighth grade, and he had to take up farming at an early age to support his family. But while his formal education ended, his passion for social service was just beginning.

A Leader in the Making
Jaan Mohammad's commitment to his community was evident early on. In the 1980s, his sincerity and dedication earned him the position of Ward Panch of Vanibor. Instead of being just a figurehead, he rolled up his sleeves and got to work. Under his leadership, widows, differently-abled individuals, and underprivileged people gained access to pension schemes. His association with Seva Mandir in 1986 became a turning point as he led various development initiatives, including repairing toilets, planting fruit orchards, and establishing savings committees.

Restoring Land, Restoring Hope
One of Jaan Mohammad's most remarkable achievements was reclaiming 75 hectares of encroached pastureland for his village. With the help of Seva Mandir and the local community, he led efforts to build soil conservation structures and plant trees. What was once barren land transformed into a dense forest, proving that persistence and collective effort could revive nature and restore hope.

Championing Peace and Justice
As a keen observer of his community's struggles, Jaan Mohammad noticed a disturbing trend-many women faced domestic violence, but their grievances were either ignored or mishandled by formal institutions. Determined to bring about change, he established the Shanti Samiti, a village-level peace committee, to resolve family disputes with fairness and compassion. Over the years, the committee has successfully settled around 30 cases, ensuring justice without breaking families apart.

A Legacy of Service
Jaan Mohammad's work did not go unnoticed. He was elected President of the Regional Development Forum Suveri in 2016 and 2018 and later became the Deputy Sarpanch of Vanibor in 2020. Through his leadership, the village witnessed key developments, including road construction, water infrastructure improvements, school renovations, and healthcare advancements.

A True Grassroots Hero
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Jaan Mohammad played a crucial role in distributing ration kits and health supplies, proving once again that leadership is about service, not position. His unwavering dedication has made him a beacon of hope in his community, inspiring others to step up and make a difference.

Honoring a Selfless Leader
For his tireless efforts in environmental and social work, Jaan Mohammad Makrani was honored with the Umedmal Lodha Environment Award 2022. He humbly attributes his success to the collective spirit of his village and the support of Seva Mandir.

His story stands as a testament to the power of grassroots leadership-where one person's determination can transform an entire community.

Jaan Mohammad's journey reminds us all that true leadership isn't about status-it's about service. His life's work continues to inspire, proving that even the most unlikely individuals can become extraordinary change-makers.