Rajasthan

A senior medical officer from Barmer, Dr Jogesh Choudhary, turned a failed experiment into a flourishing sandalwood farm. Inspired by Karnataka’s plantations, he blends science, patience, and passion to grow a forest in the harsh desert climate.

An accidental discovery at Tal Chappar turned Sharvan Patel’s lens into a mission. Today, 130 Khailis ponds across Rajasthan sustain blackbucks, mongooses, peacocks, and migratory birds — but the journey began with just one pond.

In Dholpur, over 50,000 students embrace democracy through Bal Sansads, debates, and Constitution Clubs. Abandoned buildings now thrive as libraries, empowering girls, boosting confidence, and turning the Preamble a lived reality of everyday citizenship.

Amid India’s growing water crisis, meet five inspiring water warriors who are restoring ponds, building check dams, and bringing clean water to millions. This September, The Better India Showcase 2025 is honouring their impact.

In Kumbalgarh’s challenging terrain, distant schools make education difficult for young children. The Saajhi Shiksha Project bridges this gap by empowering communities with locally managed solutions. Using everyday materials like vegetables, clay, and utensils, it fosters sustainable, community-driven learning environments.

At the Brahma Kumaris’ Shantivan Complex, 84 giant reflectors harness the sun to produce thousands of meals daily — fuel-free, emission-free, and inspiring.

In Rajasthan’s Tonk district, an AI-led learning initiative is helping students overcome math anxiety and improve exam results. Launched by IAS officer Saumya Jha, the programme offers personalised, bilingual support and has boosted pass rates significantly.

Environmentalist and teacher Shyam Sunder Jyani led a massive campaign with over 2,500 villagers to restore 84 hectares of gypsum-mined wasteland in Rajasthan. By fostering community involvement and planting native species, the initiative transformed barren land into a thriving wildlife haven.

In a village where women were told to stay indoors, Kaushalya picked up a smartphone and changed the rules by starting her YouTube channel. Today, with 1.6 million followers and a proud owner of ‘Sidhi Marwadi’ — a spice brand, she has changed life for herself and 35+ other women like her.

Radheshyam Bishnoi, a 28-year-old conservationist from Rajasthan, rescued wildlife, fought poaching, and built water ponds — until his tragic death on duty.