Awards

The Anil Shah Gram Vikas Paritoshik was awarded to Shri Biplavketan Paul
The Anil Shah Gram Vikas Paritoshik was awarded to Shri Biplavketan Paul for his outstanding application of Bhungru - innovative technology for aquifer recharge to mitigate water logging and salinity in semi-arid region of Patan district in Gujarat state. A trophy, citation and cheque of Rs.50,000 was also given to Shri Biplavketan Paul in appreciation of his innovative work which has led to an improvement in the livelihoods of small and marginal farmers especially women.

Shri Rajendra Patel, the team leader of DSC, Visnagar
Shri Rajendra Patel, the team leader of DSC, Visnagar was awarded the Gram Vikas Fellowship for his contribution on initiating and scaling up PIM in Dharoi irrigation project of Gujarat state which is one of the few successful models of PIM in the country. A citation and cheque of Rs. 20,000 was given to him in appreciation of his commitment in promoting PIM.

Pani Samiti, Kharaghoda, District Surendranagar
Pani Samiti, Kharaghoda, District Surendranagar was awarded the first Gram Sangathan Paritoshik. A trophy, citation and cheque of Rs.20,000 was presented to them for their commendable work in providing drinking water to more than 2000 households, salt-pan workers and Patdi town through a Reverse Osmosis plant.

The Thalota Irrigation Society, Dist Mehsana
The Thalota Irrigation Society, Dist Mehsana was awarded the second Gram Sangathan Paritoshik. A trophy, citation and and a cheque of Rs.10,000 was presented to them for their pioneering contribution in developing the Dharoi model of PIM and being a source of inspiration for many Water UserÂ’s Associations not just within Gujarat but other states as well.

DSC Directors and Shri Harnath Jagawat, President, Sajjata Sangh
Following two books were released by the Chief Guest, DSC Directors and Shri Harnath Jagawat, President, Sajjata Sangh: 1) Enhancing Rural Livelihoods by Enriching Practice and Influencing Policy – It documents the experiences of DSC in field implementation, capacity building, research and policy influencing. This document provides interesting learning for the practitioner, trainer, academician as well as policy makers. 2) Strengthening Civil Society Participation in Natural Resource Management - Experiences of Sajjata Sangh - A network of NGOs in Gujarat. This documentation captures the challenges and learning of the network partners in promoting agriculture extension, rainfall insurance, accreditation etc.