1. National Panchayat Raj Day (National Local Self-Governance Day)

The Panchayati Raj Day, recognized annually by the Ministry of Panchayati Raj on 24th June, commemorates the 73rd Amendment Act, 1992 of the Constitution coming into effect in the year 1993. This day celebrates the national local self-governance and democratic decentralization.

Dhan Panchayat Development Foundation celebrates this day every year. Over the years, 4951 Panchayats got Various welfare schemes, which are being implemented in Gram Panchayats through various Programme of DHAN Foundation, banks, central and state government., The foundation working at Madurai, Dindigul. Theni, Sivaganga, Ramanathapuram, Pudukkottai,Virudhunagar, Cuddalore. About 100 sangamam Leaders, sangamam and Development workers participated in the event. Ms. Shanthimathuresan, The Chief Executive of Foundation welcomed the participants. The special address was given by Mr. S. Singarayar, Senior Programme Leader and Mrs. Senthamarai, Honorary Member of the Donation Panchayat Development Foundation and Legal Aid Volunteer .

A book was published in the event, which covers Sangama Chief In-charge Duties and Responsibilities Guide, 2)Gram Sabha Basic Questions and Answers. Mr. Prakhalathan , Senior Team Leader of the DHAN Panchayat Development Foundation, described the journey of the DHAN Panchayat foundation with the Key activities after the release of the books.

Discussion Forum:

A roundtable discussion on the role of Sangams in strengthening Panchayats through public participation was held. This discussion was coordinated by Regional Coordinator Mr. Muragaiya, Federation Coordinators Mr. Kumar, Mr. Sudhakar, and Mr. Anand of the Panchayat Development Foundation. The insights gathered from this discussion include:

Finally, Mr. Selvaraj, the Programme Officer of the DHAN Panchayat Development Foundation, participated and thanked those who contributed in the event

• Female Panchayat representatives should carry out their duties independently, without any coercion or interference from others.
• Sangam leaders should function effectively within the Panchayats.
• To ensure the Panchayat functions well, the people should actively collaborate and support it. Sangams and Sangam groups should work together with Panchayats.
• Plans should be made for the development of underprivileged members of the community.
• Government schemes should reach the rightful beneficiaries.
• Gram Sabhas should be conducted in an organized and quality manner. Sangam representatives should participate in Gram Sabhas as institutional representatives.
• Environmental development should be ensured by encouraging tree planting.
• Child marriage should be prevented, and greater attention should be given to children's education.
• Family disputes should be resolved through free legal aid. Legal aid volunteers can be approached for these needs.

2. World Environmental Day

The world Environment Day was celebrated by DHAN Vayalagam (Tank) Foundation and DPA on 5th June, 2025 with the leaders and staff from Gundar and Pambar Basin Regions. The Launch of Sub-basin and basin vayalagams happened on the day, followed by the sub-group discussion on the issues of the commons.

3. State-Level Workshop: Vayalagam Way of addressing Sustainable Development Goals

Water is essential for life, serving vital economic, social, ecological, and spiritual purposes. Throughout history, human civilizations have thrived along rivers and water bodies. India's monsoon climate made it necessary to build storage facilities to capture rainwater. For centuries, people demonstrated remarkable engineering, management, and social skills by building and maintaining extensive rainwater harvesting structures like tanks and ponds.

DHAN's Impact on Water Restoration

So far, the DHAN Vayalgam (Tank) Foundation (DVTF) has helped restore over 2,000 tanks and 104 watersheds. They've raised Rs. 829 million from government and private organizations, as well as individual donors. Additionally, communities have contributed Rs. 207 million through cash and labour. These restoration efforts have provided water to 83,500 hectares of farmland, stabilizing agricultural production and securing livelihoods. As a result of this improved water access, farmers can now harvest 20 to 25 bags of grain per acre without losses due to insufficient water.

Vayalagam's Contribution to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

Ponds, tanks, and other surface water bodies are not isolated features; they are crucial components that directly or indirectly influence all 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Their health and proper management are fundamental to achieving the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

Vayalagam's activities significantly contribute to all 17 SDGs in various ways. Our contributions are grouped into four main areas:

• People & Social Well-being: This includes contributions to SDG 1 (No Poverty), SDG 2 (Zero Hunger), SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 5 (Gender Equality), SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities), and SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities).
• Planet & Environmental Sustainability: This covers SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), SDG 13 (Climate Action), SDG 14 (Life Below Water), and SDG 15 (Life on Land).
• Prosperity & Economic Development: This involves SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure), SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities), SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), and SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production).
• Peace, Justice & Partnerships: This focuses on SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions) and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).

Community Workshop on SDGs

Recognizing the importance of these connections, the DHAN Vayalagam Tank Federation (DVTF) organized a State-level Community Workshop on June 25, 2025, at DHAN's Central Office. The goal was to educate community leaders and functionaries on how their daily activities relate to the SDGs. It was also an opportunity to combine our efforts across various SDG dimensions.

Around 250 community leaders and functionaries from Vayalagam regions across Tamil Nadu attended the workshop, which DVTF coordinated. The DHAN CPP team collaborated with DVTF to enhance the workshop's processes. The insights shared by participants confirmed that Vayalagam's work is deeply connected to all the SDGs. DHAN's Executive Director encouraged participants to continue their good work, emphasizing the importance of documentation and sharing their experiences with partners.

The event concluded with resolutions outlining Vayalagam's focus for each SDG and a commitment to share the learnings with all Vayalagam farmers at the field level.

4. KOLAR DHAN YATRA

DHAN Yatra

The leaders and Associates of regions/ locations are intending to visit DHAN Collective programmes and witness its impacts for the aspirations. It is conceived as Yatra for Development. The visit to other locations/ regions on DHAN Collective initiatives will enable the leaders and associates to build the faith on the DHAN Collective ideology and enable them to connect their work with the purpose of Poverty Eradication. It may be like an exposure to DHAN Collective system and initiative.

In the year 2024-2025, seven regions – Ramnad KF, Kanchipuram, Madurai rural, Solapur, Beed, Gundar Upper and Gundar Middle & Lower undergone this DHAN Yatra with 828 participants comprises of community leaders, associates, members and DHAN Staff. They visited various development works in Madurai, Dindugal, Sivagangai and Pudukottai districts. Pambar, Madurai Rural, Madurai Urban and Dindugal regions hosted the participants from various regions.

Between April-June 2025, Kolar Region’s 50 Leaders and Associates team undergone DHAN Yatra from June 29th to July1st, 2025.