Know Us

Tarun Bharat Sangh is a renowned Indian NGO working since 1975 towards climate change mitigation and adaptation by promoting water conservation, sustainable agriculture and rural development in the arid and semi-arid regions of India. We are deeply rooted in the philosophy of “Gram Swaraj” or village self-rule. Under the leadership of Waterman Rajendra Singh, Tarun Bharat Sangh has been actively involved in making water everyone’s concern.

By linking water to every sector of development, including health, agriculture, livelihoods, community welfare, and education, Tarun Bharat Sangh is working towards building a climate resilient future for communities in India. Our grassroots activism and commitment to environmental sustainability make us a leading organization in the field of water management and community empowerment.

Guiding Star

Theory of Change

SDGs & Us

1

Goal 1

End poverty in all its forms everywhere.

2

Goal 2

End hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition and promote sustainable agriculture.

3

Goal 3

Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages.

4

Goal 4

Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all.

6

Goal 6

Ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all.

13

Goal 13

Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts.

15

Goal 15

Protect, restore and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, and halt and reverse land degradation and halt biodiversity loss.

17

Goal 17

Strengthen the means of implementation and revitalize the Global Partnership for Sustainable Development.

Presence

Global

100+ Countries reached through World Water Walks by Waterman Rajendra Singh.

India

13 Rivulets rejuvenated
21+ National level Water Marches (Jal Yatras)
100+ dedicated members of Water Community (Jal Biradari)
101+ Save River Campaigns
1000+ Schools/ Colleges/ Universities reached through Water Awareness Campaigns
2000+ River Volunteers trained through Lets know our rivers (Aao Nadi ko Jaanein)
5000+ Water conferences
14000+ Rain water harvesting structures

Haryana

260 million litres of water harvested every year
500+ farmers supported with efficient irrigation practices

Rajasthan

90 billion liters of water harvested every year through 13800 rainwater harvesting structures
5000+ farmers supported with efficient irrigation practices

Maharashtra

10 billion liters of water harvested every year
50+ km of Rivulets have been deepend widened.

Heritage

  1. 1975-80

    In 1975, the Tarun Bharat Sangh (TBS) was founded in Jaipur, India, with the aim of promoting sustainable development and environmental conservation in India. Five years later, in 1980, Rajendra Singh joined the TBS as Secretary General. Under his guidance, the TBS's work has helped to improve the lives and livelihoods of rural communities in India, and has inspired similar initiatives around the world.

  2. 1981-85

    In 1985, the Tarun Bharat Sangh (TBS) was shifted in Bheekmapura, Alwar, India. The organization's focus on water conservation was particularly important in this region, which was facing significant challenges due to declining water availability. The TBS's work in Alwar involved reviving traditional rainwater harvesting techniques, constructing Johads, and restoring rivers.

  3. 1986-90

    In 1986, TBS constructed the first Johad in Gopal pura village, Rajasthan, with the participation of the local community. This marked the beginning of the organization's efforts in water conservation, which aimed to address the declining availability of water in the region. In addition to these efforts, the TBS also initiated programs for mother and child development, adult education, health clinics, village sanitation, organic farming, safe grain stocking, and prohibiting alcohol consumption. Over time, the TBS's work in water conservation led to the construction of multiple Johads, with the 100th one being built in 1990 with community participation.

  4. 1991-95

    In 1991, a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) was filed in the Supreme Court of India against illegal mining activities in the Sariska Tiger Reserve. In 1992, the apex court passed a verdict in favor of the TBS, leading to the closing of the 465 illegal mines in Sariska. In the same year, the TBS established the 'Paryawaran Premi Puraskar' to recognize individuals and organizations for their contributions to environmental conservation. In 1994, the TBS received the Indira Gandhi Priyadarshini Award for our efforts in environmental conservation. We also organized Aravali Bachao Chetna Padyatra, a protest march from Gurjarat to New Delhi, the Nadi Pahad Bachao Yatra, a trek from Galta Ji to Gangotari to raise awareness about the need to protect mountains and rivers. Additionally, the 500th Johad was constructed with community participation in 1995, highlighting the TBS's work in water conservation.

  5. 1996-2000

    In 1996, the Tarun Bharat Sangh (TBS) achieved a significant milestone when the Thangazi block was converted from a Dark Zone to a White Zone in terms of water availability. The TBS's work led to the revival of several rivulets, including Arvari, Sarsa, Bhagani, Tildeh, and Jahajwali. In 1997, the 1000th Johad was constructed with community participation, highlighting the success of the TBS's water conservation efforts. The following year, in 1998, the TBS reached its 700th village and established the Arvari Sansad. The organization's work continued to gain momentum, and in 1999, the 3000th Johad was constructed with community participation. In 2000, the then President of India, Lt. Shri K R Narayan, visited the rejuvenated river Arvari by the TBS, showcasing the organization's impact on environmental conservation. That same year, the TBS also launched the People's Draft of the National Water Policy, further cementing their leadership in the field of water conservation and sustainable development in India.

  6. 2001-05

    In 2001, Waterman Rajendra Singh, received the prestigious Ramon Magsaysay Award for his work in promoting sustainable development and environmental conservation. That same year, the TBS reached the mark of 3500th rainwater harvesting structure, highlighting their continued focus on water conservation. In 2002, the organization launched the Rashtriya Jal Yatra (National Water Campaign) in its first and second phases. This initiative aimed to raise awareness about water conservation and the need for sustainable development practices. The third and fourth phases of the campaign were completed in 2003, which included a visit by Prince Charles of Wales to see the TBS's water conservation works. In 2004, the TBS received the International River Thiess Prize, and established the Jal Bhagirathi Foundation in Jodhpur, which aimed to promote water conservation and sustainable development. In 2005, The TBS established Jal Biradari and Tarun Jal Vidyapeeth, culminating in the Rashtriya Jal Yatra. In the same year, Rajendra Singh received the Jamna Lal Bajaj Award, and the TBS launched the People's Draft of the Ground Water Regulation bill, further demonstrating their commitment to sustainable development and environmental conservation in India.

  7. 2006-10

    In 2006, TBS won a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed against breweries in the water-scarce region of Rajasthan in the Rajasthan High Court. That same year, the organization launched the Save Odiyar River campaign in Tamil Nadu, aimed at protecting the river from pollution and degradation. The TBS organised the historical Daula Convention on rivers, further highlighting their focus on environmental conservation. In 2008, the organization organized the Jal Kumbh in Sapotara Karauli, a gathering aimed at promoting water conservation and sustainable development practices. With the efforts of TBS, River Ganga was declared the national river of India. The following year, in 2009, the TBS launched the National Level Water Literacy Mission, which aimed to raise awareness about the importance of water conservation and sustainable development across India. In 2010, the TBS expanded their efforts to include solid waste management in Gangotari, further demonstrating their commitment to sustainable development and environmental conservation in India.

  8. 2011-15

    In 2011, the Tarun Bharat Sangh (TBS) organised Sariska Nature Camps in 100 villages and also launched Nadi Kooch, a campaign aimed at raising awareness about the importance of rivers in different parts of India. That same year, the organization prepared and presented a draft of River Policy to different states and the central government, highlighting the need for sustainable river management practices. In 2012, the TBS launched the Jal Jan Jodo Abhiyaan, which aimed to promote community participation in water conservation efforts. TBS also organized a public hearing on the River Policy, providing a platform for people to voice their opinions and contribute to the development of sustainable river management policies. In 2013, the TBS stated focussing on implementing an Efficient Water Use in agriculture program in Rajasthan, aimed at reducing water consumption and improving efficiency. In 2015, Waterman Rajendra Singh, received the prestigious Stockholm Water Prize, recognizing his contributions to sustainable development and environmental conservation. Waterman Rajendra Singh started a global water awareness campaign “World Water Walks for Peace” covering 97 countries of the five continents.

  9. 2016-20

    In 2016, TBS launched the Mutha River Rejuvenation Plan and the Dahisar River Rejuvenation Plan, highlighting the need for restoring and conserving rivers in India. That same year, the TBS received the National Award from Bank of Baroda and Rajendra Singh, received the Yash Bharti Award for his contributions to environmental conservation. The TBS also organized a National Seminar on Volunteerism and launched the Aao Nadi ko Jaanein Course, aimed at promoting volunteerism and raising awareness about the importance of river conservation. In 2018, the TBS organized the Sairni River Parliament, bringing together stakeholders to discuss issues related to river conservation and management. In 2020, amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, the TBS provided emergency relief to 15,000 families, including mother and child support for 1,000 families and livelihood support for 200 families, demonstrating their commitment to the well-being of local communities.

  10. 2020 onwards

    In its efforts to promote sustainable development and environmental conservation, TBS has expanded its presence to three states, namely Rajasthan, Haryana, and Maharashtra, with a focus on aspirational districts. The TBS's impact on sustainable development and environmental conservation has led to its recognition as one of the most trusted implementing agencies by reputed CSR initiatives in India. In 2021, the TBS received the prestigious Energy Globe Award, a global recognition of its efforts in promoting sustainable development and environmental conservation. These accomplishments highlight the TBS's continued dedication to sustainable development and environmental conservation in India and its growing reputation at the international level.

People

Dr. Rajendra Singh

Chairperson

Waterman Rajendra Singh has been the main force behind Tarun Bharat Sangh since its inception, and has worked tirelessly to develop and promote water conservation and management systems in India. He has played a significant role in the revival of numerous rivers and water bodies across the country, using traditional methods of water conservation and community-led initiatives.

Singh’s work has been widely recognized and honored, both in India and internationally. He has received numerous awards for his contributions to the field of water conservation and management, including the Ramon Magsaysay Award in 2001, the Jamna Lal Bajaj Award in 2005, and the Stockholm Water Prize in 2015. These awards are a testament to the impact of his work, and to the importance of sustainable water management in addressing global environmental challenges.

Inspirations

Late Mr. Siddhraj Dhadda

Jamna Lal Bajaj Awardee 2002

Late Dr. GD Agarwal

Renowed Environmental Scientist

Late Mr. Anupam Mishra

Jamna Lal Bajaj Awardee 2011

Executive Board

Dr. Indira Khurana

Vice Chairperson

Leader

Maulik Sisodia

Executive Director

Maulik Sisodia is a development professional who has been leading Tarun Bharat Sangh since 2009. Sisodia has a keen interest in public-policies related to rivers and water resources and has expertise in program design and project management at the grassroots level with communities with the focus on design thinking. In addition, Sisodia has designed campaigns at national and international levels for causes related to water conservation and management.

Sisodia completed his PGP in development management from SPJIMR, Mumbai, an MBA in agri-business from SIIB, Pune, and an MA in economics from the University of Rajasthan in Jaipur. He has been recognized as a prestigious LEAD India fellow and a New Voices fellow with the Aspen Institute, USA. His extensive knowledge and experience make him a valuable asset to the development sector, and his leadership at Tarun Bharat Sangh has helped bring positive change to communities across India.

Our Awards

Ramon Magsaysay Award

2001

Ramon Magsaysay Foundation, Philippines | Hon’ President of Philippines

Jamna Lal Bajaj Award

2005

Jamna Lal Bajaj Foundation, Maharashtra | Hon' Nobel Laureates Amartya Sen

Stockholm Water Prize

2015

Stockholm International Water Institute, Sweden | Hon' HH King of Sweden

Energy Globe Award

2021

Energy Globe Foundation, Austria | Trade Commissioner in India

YEARAWARD’S NAMEORGANIZATION NAMEPRESENTER
2023Vishwa Guru Ambassador AwardsSpirituality for Health and Environment Alliance
2022USTM Missionary AwardUniversity of Science & Technology, Meghalaya
2022Lifetime Achievement AwardCentral University of Rajasthan
2022Zee National Achievers’ AwardZee Media Digital
2021Energy Globe India AwardEnergy Globe Foundation, Austria
2019Sir Thomas Cangan Leadership AwardInstitute of Rural Management, Rajasthan
2019World Peace Award CampaignYogmata Foundation, Uttrakhand
2019Global Earth Repair AwardFriends of the Trees Society, USA
2019Lifetime Achievement AwardTelangana Jagruthi, TelanganaHon’ Governor of Telangana
2018Maha Palak AwardSir Foundation, Maharashtra
2018The UN World Water Development Report 2018 (pg.40):  http://unesdoc.unesco.org/images/0026/002614/261424e.pdf
2017Jeevan Gaurav AwardSatish Havre Foundation, Maharashtra
2016Yash Bharti AwardGovernment of UPHon’ CM of UP
2016International Ahimsa AwardInstitute of Jainology, United KingdomMinisters of UK, Lord House
2016Baroda Sun Achievement AwardBank of Baroda, MaharashtraHon’ Governor of Maharashtra
2016KH Patil Rural development AwardKH Patil Trust, KarnatakaHon’ Governor of Karnataka
2016Bhagirathi AwardPrabhodhini Trust, Maharashtra
2015Stockholm Water PrizeStockholm International Water Institute, SwedenHon’ HH King of Sweden
2015Anant BhaleraoMemorial AwardAnant Bhalerao Trust, Maharashtra
2012Rotary Peace Through Service AwardRotary Club of Pune, Maharashtra
2012Suryadatta National AwardSuryadatta Group of Institutes, Maharashtra
2012Special AwardThe South Indian Education Society, MaharashtraHon’ Governor of Maharashtra
2008Mr Rajendra Singh nominated in the list of “50 people who could save the planet”.The Guardian
2006Lakshmipat Singhania‐ National LeadershipIIM Lucknow, Uttar PradeshHon’ Minister of Finance, Govt. of India
2005RajarshiShahu Maharaj PuraskarShahu Smarak Trust, MaharashtraHon’ Government of Maharashtra
2005Jamna Lal Bajaj AwardJamna Lal Bajaj Foundation, MaharashtraHon’ Nobel Laureates Amartya Sen
2004International Thiess River CommendationInternational Rivers foundation, Australia
2002Godavari Gaurav AwardNasik, MaharashtraHon’ Governor of Uttar Pradesh
2002Samajkarya Gaurav PuraskarKeshav Gore Smarak Trust, MaharastraHon’ Minister of Rural Dev, Govt. of Maharashtra
2001Esso Honour For Tiger ConservationEssoHon’ Commissioner of Election Commission of India
2001Ramon Magsaysay AwardRamon Magsaysay Foundation, PhilippinesHon’ President of Philippines
2001Diwaliben AwardDiwaliben Mohanlal Mehta Charitable Trust, MaharashtraHon’ Chief Justice of India
2000Acharya TulsiSamajVikas AwardAcharya Tulsi Samaj Vikas Adhyayan Sansthan, RajasthanHon’ Acharya  Mahapragya Ji
2000Sanskrit Samvardhan AwardShrimad RajchandraAdhyatmikSandhan Kendra, GujaratHon’ Governor of Gujarat
1999Ashok Gondhiya AwardYoung Men’s Gandhian Association, GujaratHon’ Granddaughter of Mahatma Gandhi
1999Tiger Conservation AwardTiger Trust India, RajasthanHon’ Chief Minister of Rajasthan
1998Mr Rajendra Singh nominated as Man of the YearThe Week
1994Rotary India Award (Environment PollutionRotary International, New DelhiHon’ President of India
1994Indira Gandhi Paryavaran PuraskarGovernment Of India, New DelhiHon’ Minister of Environment, Govt. of India
1990Sanskrit AwardSanskrit Prathisthan, New DelhiHon’ Minister of Environment, Govt. of India

Brand

We proudly present our brand identity as “Ethical & Inspiring.” At Tarun Bharat Sangh, we strongly believe that a brand is not just a logo or a name; it represents the values, principles, and commitments that drive our organization and its partnerships. Our brand embodies the moral and ethical foundations that connect us with our partners and communities, as we work together for a greater cause.

Our unwavering dedication to four core values – “equity, justice, nonviolence, and truth” – forms the bedrock of our brand. To effectively communicate our message and engage with our stakeholders, we place great emphasis on the design and visibility of our brand. Through our brand’s design elements and communication strategies, we aim to spread awareness and rally support for our cause, reaching out to diverse audiences, including the youth of India.

Our Partners

Partners 2020 Onwards

Partners During 1975-2020

Knowledge Partners

Share with Us

1000 for Water

Give Water

Happy Mothers

Give Nutrition

Gift a Goat Kit

Create Livelihood

General Fund

Strengthen Us