Manavendra Singh Shekhawat

Manavendra Singh Shekhawat, changed the fortune of a 500 acre barren, degraded landscape (only 30 trees on it) using traditional water wisdom. He works in the fields of heritage conservation, design, agriculture, sustainability and social entrepreneurship. His projects are a representation of a unique way of life, carefully preserving traditions of the past yet framing them in a modern idiom. His hotels take the path less travelled, and his NGO the “I Love” Foundation was responsible for launching Jaisalmer’s largest cleanliness and conservation drive. He believes in India and its endless possibilities. Through his work, he wants to create mediums that can help maximise human potential. 

With the Dhun Project, ‬‭over 200,000 trees have been planted using the Japanese Miyawaki method and 70,000 more were planted using conventional methodologies which include 4 food forests. They worked on restoring historic water systems, built 5 water bodies with a harvesting capacity of 400 million litres of rainwater.‬‭ It now has over 140 species of resident and migratory birds. Thousands of invertebrates, mammals and reptiles have also made this land their home.

Dhun aims to be self-sufficient in its agricultural production. They harvest water, prepare soil with Jeevamrut (organic fertilizer), and use traditional permaculture techniques to grow everything organically. So far, on approximately 85 acres of land, they produce local varieties of grains and pulses — most of which don’t need to be irrigated. The kitchen garden grows over 30 varieties of seasonal vegetables and herbs.

Dhun’s farm raises native and purebred cattle and poultry. The animals play a vital role in bringing back life to this land. Their daily grazing movement naturally bioengineers the soil and also helps in increasing the soil’s organic content. Currently, they produce over 2000L of manure and 120L of A2 grade milk every day. Another project, Jeena, is being conceptualised as a subterranean, contemporary and cognitive space that draws inspiration from stepped wells across the world. Linked to Dhun’s existing water system, this structure will integrate diverse community activities and gatherings.

Manavendra is currently working on building experiential hotels, restoration of a 350 year old military fort and development of a ren. His team collaborated with conservation architects to methodically archive the 70-350 year old structures before they were torn down. They intend to use them in various public spaces throughout the community renaissance township.

Location: Rajasthan, India

Organization: Managing Director of The MRS Group, Founder and President of “I Love” Foundation of Jaisalmer

Websites:
1) http://www.suryagarh.com/
2) www.dhun.life

Video 1: The story of Dhun, India
Video 2: TED Talk
Video 3: Redefine Living Spaces