PRESS RELEASE
Date: May 2, 2026
Jalandhar, India
Bhojowal village in Jalandha, Punjab, India is set to be developed as Punjab’s first SDG-integrated model village, aligned with SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities. The initiative envisions transforming the village into a self-sustaining, future-ready rural ecosystem by integrating water security, sustainable agriculture, quality healthcare, education, clean energy, and local livelihoods.
At the core of the project is a strong focus on water security, addressing Punjab’s critical groundwater challenges through village-level water budgeting, compulsory rainwater harvesting, pond (chhapar) revival, greywater recycling, and regular water quality testing.
The plan also emphasizes agriculture transformation, encouraging farmers to diversify beyond the wheat-paddy cycle into maize, pulses, fruits, and vegetables, supported by organic farming clusters, Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs), micro-irrigation, agri-tech tools, and local cold storage facilities.
To build a future-ready generation, Bhojowal will see major upgrades in education and skill development, including smart classrooms, coding and AI exposure, skill hubs, and career guidance initiatives. Complementing this, a health and wellness ecosystem will focus on preventive care through telemedicine, regular health camps, fitness infrastructure, and nutrition programs.
The village will adopt clean energy and modern infrastructure through rooftop solar systems, solar street lighting, waste management systems, biogas plants, and improved road and drainage networks.
A strong push towards local economic development will create employment within the village via rural business incubation, women self-help groups, digital work hubs, and weekly farmer markets.
Ensuring accountability, the initiative includes transparent governance systems such as digital Panchayat dashboards, regular Gram Sabhas, and community-driven communication platforms.
Environmental sustainability will be strengthened through tree plantation drives, mini forests, stubble burning reduction, and biodiversity conservation, while efforts to preserve Punjab’s cultural identity will include festivals, folk arts revival, and youth-led social campaigns.
🤝 Community Leadership & Social Transformation Program
Guru Nanak Dev Global University of Texas, USA and partner NGO Roar 4 Change, a dedicated Community Leadership & Social Transformation Program will be launched in Bhojowal.
This initiative will focus on youth leadership development, drug-free village campaigns, women empowerment, behavior change programs, and a village-wide volunteer (seva) network—ensuring that development is community-driven and sustainable.
Leadership Quote
Baljit Singh, Chancellor & Chairman of Guru Nanak Dev Global University, said:
“Bhojowal is not just a development project—it is a vision to redefine rural Punjab. By aligning with SDG 11 and empowering communities through education, sustainability, and leadership, we aim to create a living model that inspires villages across the state and beyond.”
The project will be implemented in a phased manner, beginning with water audits and basic upgrades, followed by infrastructure and economic development, ultimately positioning Bhojowal as a benchmark for rural transformation in Punjab.
Driven by strong local leadership, active youth participation, and partnerships with academic institutions, NGOs, government, and the private sector, Bhojowal is poised to become a replicable model for sustainable village development across the state.
Contact
Media & Communications
Navjot Kaur
Media & HR Head
Email: press@gndgu.com
Mobile: +91-9702000022
Partnerships & Collaboration
Baljit Singh
Chairman & Chancellor
Email: bsingh@gndgu.com
Mobile: +1-972-800-6305
About Guru Nanak Dev Global University
GNDGU is a pioneering, values-driven global university rooted in the universal teachings of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, dedicated to transforming students into enlightened leaders through inspired learning, holistic development, and full alignment with all 17 UNESCO Sustainable Development Goals.
Vision:
To transform students into global leaders through the power of inspired learning and self-development for positive social impact.
Mission:
Our mission is to deliver a world-class education that fosters excellence in science, technology, and the liberal arts, with a sharp focus on application-oriented research and results-driven innovation for the holistic development of students.
- To build characters of unshakeable integrity who stand fearlessly for Truth, guided by the eternal teachings of Guru Nanak Dev Ji and the principles of compassion, justice and chardi kala.
- To develop globally relevant, future-ready skills through inspired, interdisciplinary, application-oriented learning fully aligned with all 17 UNESCO Sustainable Development Goals.
- To create a vibrant, seva-driven ecosystem that guarantees 100% employability, empowering every graduate to secure meaningful careers, drive ethical innovation, and contribute selflessly to sustainable and equitable societies worldwide.
- Make world-class 4-year degree programs accessible at an unprecedented total cost of ₹1 lakh (approx. USD 1,200) in the United States.
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