About us

Ahilyadevi Holkar Gramin Vikas Sevabhavi Sanstha

Ahilyadevi Holkar Gramin Vikas Sevabhavi Sanstha was founded in 2015 with a deep belief that true rural development begins with water security, community participation, and local leadership.
Our inspiration comes from the visionary work of Ahilyadevi Holkar, who, centuries ago, strengthened Maharashtra by investing in water storage systems — stepwells, tanks, canals, and community water structures that sustained both people and agriculture. Her understanding that water is the foundation of life and prosperity continues to guide our work today.
Our journey began as a response to the realities we witnessed in villages — farmers facing unpredictable rainfall, wells drying earlier each year, women walking long distances for water, and communities becoming more vulnerable to climate uncertainty.

Rather than offering short-term relief, we chose to focus on long-term resilience by working with communities to revive water resources, promote sustainable farming, protect local ecology, and strengthen rural livelihoods. Since 2015, we have been walking alongside farmers, women, and youth — not as providers, but as partners — supporting villages to plan, act, and lead their own development. We believe that lasting change does not come from outside solutions alone, but from empowered communities supported by knowledge, solidarity, and shared responsibility. Today, our work continues in the same spirit — inspired by Ahilyadevi Holkar’s legacy and guided by the wisdom of rural communities — building a future where villages are water-secure, resilient, and self-reliant.

To achieve sustainable rural development by strengthening ecology, improving quality of life, and fostering human values through the effective use of natural resources.

Thriving rural communities where skilled farmers sustainably manage organic agriculture and agri-allied enterprises, ensuring economic security and environmental stewardship for future generations.

Empower rural communities through sustainable farming practices, environmental education, water conservation, healthcare accessibility, disability inclusion, and sanitation awareness—building self-reliant villages that balance prosperity with ecological responsibility.

Values and Principles

  • Honesty 
  • Transparency and Accountability 
  • Mutual respect 
  • Creativity 
  • Gender sensitivity 
  • Cost efficiency 
  • Participation 
  • Solidarity

Approach

Ahilyadevi Holkar Gramin Vikas Sevabhavi Sanstha adopts a community-driven and inclusive approach to rural development, working closely with grassroots communities, farmers, and vulnerable groups. Our programs are designed through participatory processes to address local needs and promote sustainable livelihoods. We place women at the centre of our interventions, strengthening their capacities, leadership, and economic independence through self-help groups, skill development, and livelihood support. With farmers, we promote sustainable and climate-resilient agricultural practices to enhance productivity while conserving natural resources. By collaborating with local institutions and government systems, we ensure community ownership, empowerment, and long-term sustainability, aiming to build self-reliant and resilient rural communities.