Seva Mandir is a non-political and non-religious NGO which has been working in the Udaipur district of Rajasthan since 1969. Seva Mandir’s work aims to empower rural people through Natural Resources Development Programmes, Education, Health, Women and Child Development and Institution Building. They work in over 583 villages so be prepared for work in the field in isolated areas where cultural sensitivity is of great importance.

Seva Mandir is a new DiA placement but it has had international volunteers from other organisations for many years now. There are lots of opportunities to get involved in a number of different areas. Short term volunteers can be involved in report writing, either for the Seva Mandir newsletter or aiding staff members with case study write ups. Longer term volunteers can expect to have the opportunity to be involved in research and data collection. Seva Mandir have their own volunteer coordinator who helps assign new volunteers to either ongoing research work, or if they have a specific request of an area they want to study this is also encouraged. It is difficult to say at the time of writing what Seva Mandir will require from you. If they have specific work that needs to be completed then you will be attached to that ongoing project. If there are no specific current demands then they will help advise you about working in your area of choice.

Accommodation

There is dormitory accommodation at Seva Mandir which is available to volunteers. Seva Mandir also have a guest house which is a five minute walk from the main premises. Again it depends on the situation on the time of your arrival as to where you will be accommodated.

Both the dormitory and the guest house are in Fatehpura, this is about 10 minutes rickshaw ride from the old city. In the old city there are many palaces to explore as well as Lake Pichola and walks down the narrow winding lanes of the city centre. In Fatehpura there are shops selling all the essentials. There are also fresh vegetable markets along the road from Seva Mandir. It’s a lovely place to live!

About you

Seva Mandir do prefer to receive volunteers who already have experience in the development sector, whether through their University study or their own experience working abroad. If you already have experience carrying out research then you would be ideal for this placement. Someone without direct experience would also be suitable as Seva Mandir do offer some guidance to new volunteers, however it is expected that you will get on and do things using your own initiative. Seva Mandir is very flexible and doesn’t monitor people or give them fixed work timings. It is up to you to go to the library and read about the project you want to be involved with. Seva Mandir is a big organisation and there is so much potential to get involved but you have to put yourself out there. Don’t be daunted though, the volunteer coordinator at Seva Mandir will help assign a mentor to you to help guide you, she is a lovely lady and can always be turned to for support.  There may be additional costs incurred.