How We Started

ArpanSevaSansthan is a non-profit organization dedicated to advancing sustainable, integrated rural development since 1996, completing three decades of grassroots service in 2026. Established by a group of young agricultural professionals, the organization was founded with a vision to enhance access to secure livelihood opportunities for rural communities. Recognizing critical gaps in technology, knowledge, infrastructure, and market access, Arpan set out to bridge these disparities and enable inclusive growth.

Driven by the belief that sustainable development requires strong convergence, the founding team focused on connecting communities with government schemes, policies, and philanthropic resources. Under the leadership of Dr.Subh Karan Singh, and supported by a highly qualified and committed team, Arpan has consistently worked to reduce opportunity gaps between disadvantaged and mainstream populations. The organization has developed innovative, adaptable strategies to identify local needs and leverage available resources and technologies, while fostering community participation and strengthening grassroots institutions.

Arpan’s journey began with a “learning by doing” approach, engaging directly with rural communities to understand ground realities. Through extensive fieldwork and participatory methods such as Focus Group Discussions, the organization identified key challenges in water, agriculture, health, and livelihoods. These insights led to a focused strategy prioritizing water security and agriculture as the backbone of rural development.

Early interventions emphasized low-cost, sustainable solutions such as organic farming through vermicomposting and soil & water conservation techniques. What began as a small initiative in 2003 expanded rapidly—reaching over 12,000 farmers across 26 districts by 2007. Over time, capacity building emerged as a core strength, with Arpan training more than 350,000 farmers in areas including water resource management, improved agricultural practices, horticulture, and animal husbandry.

Building on this foundation, between 2008 and 2015, Arpan implemented large-scale watershed development projects across 7,100 hectares in collaboration with state government departments. These efforts led to the expansion of irrigation facilities across an additional 4,200 hectares through community lift irrigation systems and small-scale water infrastructure. The organization further evolved its approach by introducing integrated development models, combining natural resource management, agriculture and horticulture, livelihood promotion, skill development, and institutional strengthening in a phased and holistic manner.

Over the years, Arpan’s impactful work has been recognized through numerous awards at district, state, and national levels, most notably the 4th National Water Award 2023 (1st Rank, NGO Category) conferred by the Ministry of Jal Shakti, Government of India. Since 2015, the organization has actively partnered with leading corporate entities and public sector undertakings to implement CSR-driven development initiatives, further scaling its outreach and impact. Arpan also serves as an NGO implementation partner for the JICA-supported Rajasthan Water Sector Livelihood Improvement Project with the Water Resources Department, Government of Rajasthan, and has served as National Level Monitor for the Ministry of Rural Development across 12 states.

Under the visionary leadership of Dr.Subh Karan Singh, Arpan has grown from a team of 20 to over 500 dedicated professionals. The organization has significantly expanded its geographic footprint—now operating across seven states: Rajasthan, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Haryana and Chhattisgarh—and its thematic focus, working across natural resource management, livelihoods, drinking water security, sanitation, health, and education.

Today, ArpanSevaSansthan impacts over 14 lakh (1.4 million) rural families, working in close collaboration with communities, Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs), government bodies, and CSR partners. With a steadfast commitment to sustainability and community ownership, Arpan continues to drive transformative change and build resilient, self-reliant rural ecosystems.