Impact Stories
Sarva Vikas Deep Trust, Mangaon — Raigad District
Ramesh Powar, a tribal farmer near Mangaon in Raigad district, depended on seasonal labour and uncertain income for years. In 2020, Sarva Vikas Deep Trust introduced the Group Goat Rearing Project in his village. Ramesh joined a Self Help Group and received his first goats. With dedication, he raised them through the seasons, watching the herd grow as the goats gave birth to kids. What began as outside support became a dependable livelihood he could truly call his own.
The project's revolving fund model — where SHG members collectively refund a portion of the investment — has turned a one-time intervention into a self-sustaining cycle, now reaching new families each season. Goats were insured, protecting families from loss. When 17 goats died, families received Rs. 16,500 in compensation. Today, goat rearing has brought confidence, stability, and hope to Ramesh and many others like him.
Sarva Vikas Deep Trust works actively across Raigad district to connect poor and marginalized tribal families with government entitlements they deserve. Through persistent advocacy and outreach, 250 ration cards have been secured, with 180 more families in process — totalling 430 families to benefit. Around 250 families now receive regular rice supplies, and 35 families receive ration directly at their doorstep through government delivery services. Food security has brought dignity, stability, and hope to these households.
Lata Jadhav once depended on irregular daily labor to support her family. When Sarva Vikas Deep Trust began skill training programs in her village, she joined tailoring training despite having never used a sewing machine. Over months of patient learning, she mastered stitching, cutting, and garment making. Today she stitches blouses, school uniforms, and clothes for nearby villages. She is one of 150 women who received tailoring training, with 80 women now earning sustainable income independently. Additionally, 20 rural youth were trained in driving, received their licenses, and are now working as professional drivers. In a powerful step toward dignity, 20 tribal women who once used thumb impressions learned to sign their own names.
For many tribal families, accessing government schemes was difficult without proper documents. Raju Pawar, a young tribal farmer, faced this for years. Without a caste certificate or ration card, many benefits remained out of reach. Through awareness programs conducted by Sarva Vikas Deep, Raju and many others learned about their rights. As a result, 5,200 caste certificates have been distributed and 250 BPL ration cards issued. Under the Forest Rights Act, 650 individual claims and 120 community claims have been implemented. Awareness about MREGS, housing programs, and Panchayati Raj has encouraged villagers to actively attend Gram Sabha meetings and confidently claim their rights.
Ganesh Thakur grew up surrounded by forests but never imagined forest produce could become reliable income. Traditionally, villagers collected fruits only for household use. Through awareness programs by Sarva Vikas Deep, communities learned about the economic value of cashew nuts and tender mangoes. Two villages participated in government auctions and acquired rights to collect from 1,275 trees for six months. Working collectively, they harvested and sold the produce, earning around Rs. 2,50,000. At the same time, the community planted 10,000 trees on individual and community forest lands, ensuring the forest continues to support future generations.
Rahul, a tribal teenager, had always loved cricket but never imagined playing outside his village. Sarva Vikas Deep introduced sports training for tribal youth, recognizing that sports build confidence and discipline. 40 young boys received intensive cricket coaching, learning teamwork, skills, and sportsmanship. The biggest moment came when they were taken to Mumbai to play at MIG and MET Clubs. For the first time, they stepped onto professional grounds. In a proud moment for the community, the tribal boys won a match against the MET Club team. For Rahul and his friends, the experience opened a new world of confidence and opportunity far beyond their villages.
Meena, a young girl from a tribal family, once had to travel with her parents to brick kiln sites during seasonal migration, her education repeatedly interrupted. To ensure children like Meena do not miss school, Sarva Vikas Deep started seasonal mobile schools at brick kiln sites, allowing children to continue learning even while their parents work away from their villages. Today, 150 children benefit from these mobile schools across 8 brick kiln locations. In addition, 12 supplementary classes run in villages to support students needing extra help. For those needing a stable study environment, 20 students stay in hostel facilities to continue their education.