About Sehgal Foundation
Sehgal Foundation, a 501©(3) private foundation founded in 1998 by Dr. Surinder Mohan Sehgal and his wife Edda Jeglinski Sehgal, supports community-led initiatives to drive positive social, economic, and environmental change in rural India. In 1999, they launched S M Sehgal Foundation (SMSF) a rural development NGO, as public, charitable trust in Gurugram, India, to further their vision of ensuring that every person can lead a more secure, prosperous, and
dignified life. Sehgal Foundation (USA) supports SMSF by partnering with nonprofit entities, academic institutions, corporations, and individuals to enhance their impact across rural India.


Our Mission
The mission of Sehgal Foundation (USA) is to support rural development in India through integrated rural development programs carried out by S M Sehgal Foundation teams and
partners to address pressing needs such as food and water security, women’s empowerment, improved governance and local participation, and transforming the lives of schoolchildren by
providing them with more conducive learning environments. Our shared goal is to empower rural communities by providing tools, knowledge, and resources to achieve long-term sustainability.
A Holistic Approach to Rural Development in India
The S M Sehgal Foundation (SMSF) approach to rural development centers on community participation. By working closely with communities, SMSF ensures that each project meets specific local needs, respecting cultural and environmental contexts. This inclusive model fosters sustainable change.
SMSF operates under the philosophy of “loose and tight":
Loose: Flexibility in operations to adapt to community needs.
Tight: Firm commitment to core values like integrity, professionalism, optimism, and respect.
These experts in their fields work hand-in-hand with local communities to tackle critical issues related to food security, water access, local participation, and women’s empowerment.
