From a Small Village to Big Change
In the heart of Semal, a small village in Rajasthan's Nathdwara Tehsil, Rajsamand district, a remarkable story of leadership, resilience, and community-driven transformation is unfolding. Meet Mangu Singh Rajput, a man who saw challenges not as obstacles but as opportunities to uplift his village. What started as a simple desire to protect common land has now grown into a movement for sustainable development and collective empowerment.

Turning Barren Lands into Thriving Pastures
Mangu Singh's journey with Seva Mandir began in 2002 when he became a member of the Semal Gram Vikas Committee. One of his first battles was to reclaim 78 hectares of pastureland, which had been encroached upon. Instead of confrontation, he relied on dialogue and persuasion, convincing villagers to vacate the land for collective benefit. With the support of the Seva Mandir, boundary walls were built, water conservation efforts were carried out, and 12,000 saplings were planted. Today, these once-barren lands are lush green pastures providing equal benefits to all villagers.

Standing Tall Against Injustice
Leadership isn't just about development-it's about standing up for what's right. In 2018, when an influential village Sarpanch attempted to seize pastureland for personal gain and started illegal mining, Mangu Singh didn't back down. Facing threats and even a police complaint, he stood firm. The entire village united behind him, demanding justice. In the end, the Sarpanch was forced to apologize, proving that determination and unity can defeat corruption.

Bringing Water to the Fields, Prosperity to the Farmers
Beyond land conservation, Mangu Singh has spearheaded projects to improve agricultural livelihoods. With Seva Mandir's help, he led the construction of an 8,500-foot irrigation channel using natural springs, bringing life-giving water to 350 bighas of farmland and benefiting 200 farmers. Now, he is focusing on increasing women's income through goat rearing and natural farming, ensuring a sustainable future for his village.

A True Leader in Times of Crisis
When the COVID-19 pandemic struck in 2020, Mangu Singh once again stepped up. He, along with his village group, distributed food and health kits provided by Seva Mandir to those in need, proving that true leadership shines in times of adversity.

Honoring a Changemaker
For his unwavering commitment to community development and environmental protection, Mangu Singh Rajput was honored with the Umed Mal Lodha Environment Award 2021. His story serves as an inspiration to grassroots leaders everywhere-showing that with courage and collective effort, even the most ordinary individuals can drive extraordinary change.