For Bharat to become a developed country, the journey must pass through its villages, where a majority of its people reside. Sustainable national development entails uplifting our rural communities and weaving them into the nation's broader development goals, as willing participants.

To this end, Surya Foundation has focused on activities such as promoting organic farming, empowerment of women by encouraging activities like Self-help groups and ‘Silai Kendras’ for women, in addition promoting Handicrafts, Dairy farming, Adult & Child education and engendering Social harmony through ‘Chaupals’, in our villages.

Organic Farming
Organic farming practices offer several advantages to the people at large and our famers, encompassing better health for all, positive environmental impact fetch our farmers better returns. Surya Foundation is championing organic farming by providing farmers with essential training and resources. The farmers have enthusiastically embraced organic farming, with over 2000 of them having benefited so far. More would follow suit.

Self Help Groups
The Foundation, in concert with the local folk, has set up Self-help groups (SHGs), which play an important role in empowering rural women, providing them a way to independence and financial self-sufficiency. With the SHGs supporting them including with loans, women have ventured into entrepreneurship, from opening and running stores catering to daily necessities to mobile phones stores besides participating in the animal husbandry sector. Currently, there are 164 SHGs across the country, supporting 1,829 women in their journey towards financial independence.

Sewing Centers
Sewing and tailoring for long have interested women in India, particularly those in rural areas. Surya Foundation has set up Surya Sewing Centers for them in their villages, which enable them to gain/enhance their skills. As a result, they are able to undertake sewing and tailoring work and contribute financially to their families and communities. Currently, there are over 19 operational Surya Sewing Centers across the country.

Handicrafts
Today Indian handicrafts face the risk of fading into oblivion. To safeguard our artistic legacy, it is necessary to preserve this traditional craft. Surya Foundation contributes towards preserving our handicrafts by organizing training workshops in villages. Womenfolk in particular participated enthusiastically and hundreds of them have become adept at making imitation/artificial jewelry and handloom products from locally sourced materials, as they march towards financial self-reliance.

Dairy and Cow Products
Cattle rearing contributes significantly to sustainable farming. Surya Foundation imparts training, a blend of scientific methods and traditional techniques in animal husbandry and the dairy sector, in the villages. The training goes beyond milk and ghee production, to producing value added products from cow dung, like incense sticks, ‘diyas’ and organic fertilizers, opening new income avenues for rural youth, providing a financial boost to them.

Adult and Child Education
Education, sanskars and patriotism are important in a country’s march to development. Surya Foundation has under taken initiatives like Surya Sanskar Kendras, Adult education centers and Mobile libraries. Additionally, school children are assisted with their school education. Today, 234 Surya Sanskar Kendras and 10 adult education centers are active in different parts of the country.

Chaupal
The tradition of resolving disputes and deciding on community initiatives without formal judicial intervention has long been part of village life. To take this forward, Surya Foundation assists the village communities in organizing chaupals — public meetings that serve as forums for open discussion. These gatherings bring people irrespective of caste and social standing to address village issues, resolve disputes and promote equality, fraternity and harmony. Discussions at chaupals often cover vital topics such as government schemes, environment, water conservation and de-addiction amongst others, contributing significantly to the welfare and unity of the village communities.