March 2025 became a landmark month for water awareness and grassroots action as Ambuja Foundation led World Water Day celebrations across locations with community engagements, grassroots innovations and cultural expression. The Foundation mobilized thousands of farmers, women, school children, and community leaders across rural India to spotlight the urgent need for water conservation through education, symbolic acts, and sustainable practices.

1. Farmer-Centric Dialogues and Sustainable Agriculture Awareness

In Dalkhaniya village, Amreli district, 449 farmers gathered for an awareness session that revealed the severity of water resource management: few were aware of World Water Day or its implications. The team shared insights on the history and purpose of World Water Day, and the need for climate resilience, water scarcity and agricultural sustainability.

In Elampur village, Gir Somnath district, a dedicated workshop brought together farmers, including women, on sustainable solutions. They were introduced to techniques like rooftop rainwater harvesting (RRWHS), farm pond construction, well recharge, and crop-sensitive drip irrigation. The event culminated in a collective oath: to use water judiciously, apply irrigation only when needed, and support village-level solutions such as check dam repairs and new water harvesting structures.

2. School-Based Engagement to Educate Gen-Next

In Sangatpura village, Haryana, World Water Day took the shape of a school-led movement. Primary school children created vibrant paintings and recited original poems centered on the value of water. Teachers joined in by discussing daily habits like fixing leaks and closing taps—small actions with large impact. Ambuja Foundation staff conducted an engaging session on hygiene and sanitation, highlighting how clean water and proper hygiene can prevent disease. The goal was clear: empower the next generation with both awareness and actionable knowledge.

3. Jal Yatra in Himachal

Combining World Water Day and International Women’s Day, with a striking Jal Yatra, 400 women from nearby gram panchayats of our operational districts in Himachal Pradesh walked through the communities carrying water pots on their heads chanting songs and slogans on water conservation - reaching nearly 1,000 people. A sacred Jal Yatra brought holy water from Dauti, Sawag, and Ghamrada villages to the Shiv Mandir, symbolizing the spiritual sanctity of water. The ceremony was followed by group plays and skits by children and villagers under the banner “Valuing Water – Every Drop Counts.” These performances, rooted in local language and humor, made powerful arguments for conservation in a way that connected at ground level.

In Mangoo, over 220 people—schoolchildren, watershed beneficiaries, and community members—joined an interactive event on Water Testing and Sustainable Use. The Block Resource Coordinator from the Jal Shakti Vibhag led live demonstrations on water quality, while community leaders shared stories of changing practices.

4. Women as Water Stewards

In Punjab, Ambuja Foundation wove World Water Day into its International Women’s Day outreach, showcasing the critical role women play in water management and community resilience.

In Patto Didar Singh village, Moga district, 108 women came together for a vibrant celebration featuring Gidda performances, motivational talks, and open discussions on resource access and personal safety. Chief guest BDPO Rupinderjeet Kaur emphasized the intersection of empowerment and environment, urging women to leverage government schemes and lead community efforts in water conservation.

Channu Wala village hosted a similar event with 88 women. CDPO Gurjeet Kaur and other dignitaries applauded women’s contributions to development and encouraged active participation in water-saving activities. These events weren’t limited to dialogue—they included sports, songs, and real economic empowerment. In Mohali, Ambuja Foundation’s women-led self-help groups participated in an HDFC Bank exhibition, earning over Rs. 5,000 in sales and recognition for their culturally rooted, sustainability-focused products.

Conclusion

Together, these celebrations across Gujarat, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, and Punjab showcased Ambuja Foundation’s unique approach in combining local knowledge, cultural relevance, and technical expertise to create lasting change. By engaging farmers, inspiring children, elevating women’s leadership, and building institutional partnerships, the Foundation turned a day of global significance into a grassroots movement.

World Water Day 2025 of course is not a ‘one off’ initiative by Ambuja Foundation. As climate change deepens the urgency of water resilience, Ambuja Foundation deepens its efforts to create water security in rural communities. Drop by drop, village by village, we can turn things around for India.