Delwara, a peri-urban village (qasba) about 30 km from Udaipur in Rajasthan, has drawn attention for a wide range of development achievements—water conservation, women’s livelihood initiatives, and heritage protection among them. While each of these is impressive, perhaps even more inspiring is the path taken and the social processes initiated to strengthen unity and cooperation based on non-discrimination. These created conditions in which all residents, including the weakest sections, could contribute in creative and meaningful ways, helping realize the often hidden potential of ordinary people.
Development is much more than physical infrastructure or even income gains. Ultimately, what can be more important—both in itself and in enabling other forms of progress—is the improvement of social relationships and the weakening, or even ending, of various forms of bias and discrimination based on caste, community, faith, or gender.
Achievements are often viewed only through visible outcomes, while the less visible social processes that make them possible sometimes receive less attention. In the case of Delwara, it is useful to begin with these processes of social change. They began with the initiatives of Seva Mandir (SM), a voluntary organization committed to inclusivity, which started work here around four decades ago and expanded these efforts more intensively in the past two decades. While their work is widely appreciated today, a recent group discussion with members of several communities revealed that many steps taken to promote social unity initially faced strong resistance.
Delwara is home to many communities differentiated by caste, faith, and ethnicity. Spread across 18 hamlets with a population of about 6,000, each hamlet tends to be associated more closely—though not exclusively—with particular communities. Traditionally, discrimination was widespread, and sanitation workers suffered the most. The presence of a large number of communities made the situation more complex, but also more interesting in the context of efforts for unity and cooperation.
SM brought development initiatives to Delwara along with a strong message of unity based on equality and cooperation. Sharing the same carpet to sit together became a powerful symbol of change—first accepted reluctantly, then more willingly. Social equality is rooted in rational human values, and once this process begins, it can gain its own momentum. India’s constitution and laws support such change, but progress is greatest when aided by patient, people-centered, and continuous efforts. The unity efforts in Delwara have stood the test of time. As Rimjhim, a member of the SM team who worked here for several years, said, “We were very concerned at a time of rising inter-faith tensions in Udaipur, but the people here stood firm in their unity and cooperation.”
Recognizing the urgency of ending the stigma attached to sanitation workers, the initiative gave them a new name—arogya mitra (health friends). This recognized their essential contribution, though such recognition is rare elsewhere. Jagdish Prasad, an arogya mitra, said that he now faces no discrimination and can go to influential homes freely. A few decades ago, others signaled to them to stay away. Pushpa Jhala, an elder associated with SM, recalled that in earlier times they had to hold their footwear in their hands when passing the homes of influential people.
Gender discrimination was also a serious issue that impeded development. Prem, an elderly woman who played a key role in early women’s livelihood initiatives, recalls that liquor consumption and domestic violence were widespread, and men strongly resisted women’s participation in craft work when opportunities first arose. Initially, there was total opposition. Prem visited homes where women were being prevented from working, encouraging them to come forward.
As women began working collectively, their unity became a force that could no longer be stopped. Today, Delwara is a leading center for tanka embroidery and patchwork work supplied to major brands—a remarkable journey from rejection to a successful social enterprise. This shows that persistent efforts, along with real opportunities, can overcome rigid opposition to women’s roles in society.
Delwara is now an important center of Sadhna, a sister organization of SM that provides skill-based livelihood options for rural women. Violence against women and liquor consumption have decreased significantly, reflecting broader social awakening. Women actively participate in development initiatives. Self-help groups with monthly savings increased their confidence and financial independence. From saving just one rupee per day initially, many now save up to Rs. 1,000 per month and take loans exceeding Rs. 100,000 for their own enterprises. As Naseema Bano says, savings give women control and confidence, enabling them to support children’s needs or start businesses.
Women also participate actively in the Nagrik Vikas Manch (Citizens’ Development Forum), samoohs, and village development committees. Elections and leadership rotation ensured representation from all 18 hamlets, including the weakest sections such as scheduled castes and tribes. Community organizations also mobilized funds for urgent needs.
Waste management and sanitation received special attention as essential needs in peri-urban areas. Delwara was declared an ODF village earlier than many others. Over 250 toilets were constructed for households lacking sanitation access. Decentralized wastewater treatment was promoted, and waste collection systems helped keep the village clean. When issues emerged in the Bhoi settlement, residents led corrective action themselves.
Given the region’s water scarcity, efforts were made to revive and deepen traditional water sources. The Palera water tank was deepened to increase rainwater storage. An ancient triangular water source (tribhuj) and a heritage stepwell were cleaned and renovated, raising the water table. Tap water systems were expanded, and villagers contributed voluntary labor (shramdan). However, maintaining the cleanliness of water sources like the tribhuj requires continued attention.
Delwara also has strong potential as a heritage site. According to Himmat, a local youth deeply interested in heritage, there are more than 30 worship places across the 18 hamlets and several Jain temples of wide importance. A nearby palace and fort have been converted into a hotel, and many residents advocate for heritage-based development. A heritage walk has already been organized, showcasing the temples, water structures, and development initiatives.
Ultimately, the village’s biggest strength remains its unity. As Muralidharan, a well-informed resident, says, “We could get rid of the narrowness of sectarianism, and that set us on the path of progress.” Sabiya, a resident, adds that visitors often say they feel something different and better here even within a short stay.
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The writer is Honorary Convener, Campaign to Save Earth Now. His recent books include Planet in Peril, Protecting Earth for Children, Man Over Machine, and A Day in 2071
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