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Social Responsibility

Situated at the foot of the Devi Garh fort is the Delware village, which belonged to the kingdom of mewar unit 1947, as part of the feudal estate of the house of Delwara. The history of this region, known for its rich culture, chivalry, and martial valour, is also privy to a tradition of constructive and educational work.

As early as the 1920s, visionary leaders such as Dr. Mohan Singh Mehta addressed the problems of poverty and the need to create democratic values in society. One such organization born through the efforts of peaceful revolutionaries as Dr. Mehta is 'Seva Mandir' ,based in Udaipur. Today, Seva Mandir is working in around 600 village, situated in the vicinity of Devi Garh. Its work is focused on improving the education, livelihoods, health and status of women in deprived communities. It is also engaged in enabling people to cooperate with each other to solve the problems that affect them.

Delwara symbolizes the problems of modern day unplanned settlements. Pressures of a growing population and the lack of basic amenities are leading to a rapid deterioration in the living standards of the inhabitants. Infrastructure, such as regular water supply, adequate sanitation, and waste disposal systems are non existent-as are the means to proper health, livelihood, and education.

In 2004, Seva Mandir and the National Foundation for India (NFI), a Delhi-based philanthropic organization, came together to help improve the living conditions of Dewara's residents. In fact, Seva Mandir's association with village goes back many years-in 1988, It started a women's patchwork programme known as 'Sadhna' which aims to provide an alternative source of income to women. Thus, handicraft, which includes exquisite applique and embroidery work, was introduced to the women of Delwara.

Over the years, Sadhna has changed the lives of many families. women connected to the programme are changing many gender norms typical of Indian societies-gaining respect in their households and taking decisions on behalf of their families. Women, who had hardly stepped out of their homes, let alone their village, are now traveling, both, across the country and country and abroad, to sell their products. Today, Sadhna has 400 members and after 17 years of its inception, has registered itself as an independent trust.

Seva Mandir, NFI and its other partner organizations such as Devi Garh, Sir Dorabji Tata Trust, and Foundation Ensemble (France), felt that quality of life of the people of Deware could be improved by motivating its citizens. Thus was born a citizens' forum known as the 'Nagrik Vikas Manch', of which ,citizens of dewara from diverse backgrounds have become members. The forum, in collaboration with the village council, is playing a leading role in establishing proper sanitation and garbage disposal systems for the community and in improving the livelihood prospects for its youth.

It is heartening to see people from all sections of society, pool their efforts and resources to make life for all the people in Delwara, better. Seva Mandir is making similar efforts in the other 600 villages that it is working in. Seva Mandir, NFI and Devi Garh are committed to promote such initiatives in the rest of the country. As a guest of Devi Garh you are invited to witness their idealism.

If you wish to make a donation to this cause, please contact the reception desk. You can pay either

1. By Cash (against a receipt)
2. By Cheque, payable to Seva Mandir
3. Online through the website www.sevamandir.org

Your donation is exempted from tax in India under Section 80G of the Income Tax Act, 1961.