OUR STORY
One village. One well. One workshop at a time.
“We didn't begin with a mission statement. We began with Dr. Sheetal Gaikwad spending time in the villages around Nashik — listening, observing, and seeing the same problems appear in different forms.”
BEGINNINGS
The work started small.
“We didn't begin with a mission statement. We began with Dr. Sheetal Gaikwad spending time in the villages around Nashik — listening, observing, and seeing the same problems appear in different forms.
A well that ran dry. A girl missing school because no one had explained menstrual health to her. A woman who had heard of laws meant to protect her, but never been shown where those laws applied to her life.
So the work started small.
A health camp under a borrowed tent. Rainwater work in DivyachaPada. A classroom session on menstrual hygiene. Practical work that was meant to last, not simply to be photographed.”
HOW THE WORK GREW
Over time, that work grew.
Rural Development
Water and rural development expanded into watershed work, check-dams, contour trenches, solar lighting and support for village housing. When farmers wanted to understand whether this kind of work could create lasting change, they were taken to Hivre Bazar to see the results for themselves.
Health & Well Being
Health initiatives grew from basic checkups into medical camps, cataract surgeries and dedicated support for tribal women. The work also grew into a partnership with Techfest, IIT Bombay, reaching more than 2,100 girls and women and distributing over 30,000 sanitary napkins.
Women Empowerment
Women's empowerment grew through Self Help Groups and Mahila Bachat Gats, alongside workshops that helped women understand the laws, institutions and support systems available to them — including the Women's Commission, Damini Squad, Women's Cell, Cyber Cell and POCSO protections.
THE IDEA BEHIND THE WORK
“The idea behind all of it has remained simple: communities do not need to be rescued. They need the opportunity, resources and support to become stronger on their own ground.”
That idea is reflected in our logo — a woman shaped like wings, representing strength and freedom, grounded in the earth she comes from.
RECOGNITION
The work has since received recognition.
The work has since received recognition including the Pearl of the Nation Award and the Society Development Award. We are grateful for both. But recognition was never the measure of success.
Pearl of the Nation Award
Healing Urja Foundation, Dehradun
National recognition for outstanding contribution to women's health and rural development.
Society Development Award
National Foundation, New Delhi
Honoured for sustained contribution to community development across Nashik district.
THE MEASURE IS SIMPLER
A well that still has water in May.
A girl who doesn't miss school.
A woman who knows where to turn for help.
That's still the work.
One village. One well. One workshop at a time.
— Dr. Sheetal Gaikwad
Founder, Nirmal Ganga Goda Bahuudeshiya Sanstha