In the rural heartlands of India, the S M Sehgal Foundation is changing lives with its focus on sustainable development and community empowerment. Established in 1999 by Dr. Suri Sehgal and his wife, Edda Sehgal, the foundation has become a driving force for improving living conditions in underserved areas. With its headquarters in Gurugram, Haryana, the foundation addresses key issues such as water management, sustainable farming, education, and governance.
The foundation’s water management initiatives aim to combat the pressing issue of water scarcity. By building infrastructure for safe drinking water and introducing methods to replenish groundwater, it has helped thousands of rural families. In agriculture, the foundation promotes sustainable farming practices that increase yields, improve soil health, and boost farmer incomes. These programs have given farmers the tools and knowledge to improve their lives.
Education is another area where the foundation has made a significant impact. Its “Transform Lives One School at a Time” program upgrades government schools by providing clean water, better sanitation facilities, and access to digital tools. In addition, its community radio station, Alfaz-e-Mewat, spreads awareness on critical issues, helping rural communities gain knowledge and find solutions to local challenges.
Dr. Sehgal’s leadership has made the foundation a key player in rural development, creating meaningful and lasting changes. By involving communities directly in these programs, the foundation ensures that the people it serves are not just recipients but active participants in shaping their futures. In 2022, Dr. Sehgal was honored with the Dr. M S Swaminathan Award for Leadership in Agriculture, recognizing his efforts in improving the lives of rural communities and contributing to food security.
From India to the World: Suri Sehgal’s Inspiring Journey
Dr. Suri Sehgal’s work is deeply tied to his life story, which began in India. After completing his early education, he moved to the United States to pursue advanced studies. He earned a Ph.D. in plant genetics from Harvard University, specializing in crop improvement—a field that would shape his career and contributions to society.
Dr. Suri Sehgal spent decades in the global seed industry, becoming an expert in hybrid seeds and food production. He held senior roles in multinational companies, where his work advanced agricultural practices and helped improve food security around the world. Despite his professional success, his connection to India and its rural communities remained strong. Recognizing the challenges faced by these communities, he decided to channel his knowledge and resources toward creating solutions.
This vision led to the establishment of the S M Sehgal Foundation. The move from corporate science to philanthropy was driven by a desire to make a tangible difference. Dr. Sehgal applied his scientific expertise to design programs that were practical and impactful, ensuring that rural communities received sustainable solutions to their problems.
Today, the foundation continues to carry forward his mission, improving the lives of thousands and inspiring others to contribute to meaningful change. Dr. Sehgal’s journey from a scientist to a philanthropist reflects his unwavering commitment to using his knowledge and resources to benefit those in need. His life’s work serves as a reminder that real change is possible when vision is combined with action.
- Discover more fascinating Giving Back Stories