LIC HFL HRIDAY Project | Transforming Lives in Pokaran, Jaisalmer | URMUL Trust

LIC HFL HRIDAY Project | Pokaran, Jaisalmer, Rajasthan In the heart of the Thar Desert, communities face unique challenges related to water scarcity, livelihoods, agriculture, livestock, education, and access to essential services. The LIC HFL HRIDAY Project, implemented by URMUL Trust across 10 villages of Pokaran block in Jaisalmer district, Rajasthan, is working with communities to create sustainable opportunities and strengthen rural resilience. The project takes a holistic approach to rural development, focusing on: • Women’s empowerment and Self-Help Groups • Skill development and artisan livelihoods • Livestock development and goat-based livelihoods • Sustainable agriculture and traditional farming • Kitchen gardens and orchard development • Water conservation and rainwater harvesting • Health, hygiene and nutrition awareness • Education and adolescent girls’ support • Strengthening schools and Anganwadi centres • Market linkages and enterprise development • Community participation and institution building During the project period, 20 Self-Help Groups were formed with 279 women, while more than 200 women artisans received skill development support in embroidery, stitching and product development. The project also supported 170 women with goat-based livelihoods, developed 70 kitchen gardens and 10 orchards, promoted indigenous seeds and sustainable farming practices, and supported rainwater harvesting and traditional water-resource development. The initiative also worked with schools, Anganwadi centres, women, adolescent girls, farmers and livestock owners to create improvements beyond individual households. At its core, the HRIDAY Project is about one simple idea: Sustainable development becomes stronger when communities are empowered to lead their own change. This film captures the journey, efforts and emerging impact of the HRIDAY Project in the villages of Pokaran. Project: LIC HFL HRIDAY Project Implementing Organisation: URMUL Rural Health Research and Development Trust Location: Pokaran Block, Jaisalmer, Rajasthan Project Villages: 10 villages Project Period: March 2024 – February 2025 Acknowledgement This impact film documents the collective efforts of the community, women’s groups, farmers, livestock owners, artisans, schools, local institutions and the project team. Supported by: LIC Housing Finance Limited Implemented by: URMUL Trust #LICHFL #HRIDAYProject #URMULTrust #Pokaran #Jaisalmer #Rajasthan #TharDesert #RuralDevelopment #WomenEmpowerment #Livelihoods #WaterConservation #SustainableDevelopment #CSR #CommunityDevelopment #RuralIndia #WomenEntrepreneurs #SkillDevelopment #WaterSecurity #SocialImpact