India — home to over 1.4 billion people and one of the world’s fastest-growing major economies — is at the frontline of the global water crisis. Nearly 54% of the country faces high to extremely high-water stress, with rural communities in Delhi-NCR, Haryana, and Rajasthan disproportionately affected by groundwater depletion, contamination, and climate volatility. Addressing these challenges requires innovative, community-driven approaches to water management and sustainable rural development.

This 16-day program placed students at the center of that conversation. Delivered in partnership with a leading rural development foundation, it combined urban policy engagement with rural fieldwork — students moved between Delhi-NCR, the villages of Mewat and Alwar, and the heritage cities of Agra and Jaipur to engage directly with community-based solutions to water and food security challenges.

Through hands-on activities such as water sample testing, groundwater-level measurement, and analysis of water quality metrics alongside rural practitioners, students developed a deep understanding of water management practices and community-driven innovations aimed at enhancing rural livelihoods. Cultural immersions at UNESCO World Heritage sites, ancient stepwells, religious monuments, and vibrant markets provided context for how centuries-old knowledge informs contemporary sustainability.