In a world where challenges often overshadow compassion, Rajat Jay Sehgal stands as a luminous beacon of transformative leadership and deep-rooted humanitarian commitment. As Executive Vice President of Sehgal Foundation in the United States and Trustee of S M Sehgal Foundation in India, Jay has not only built bridges between continents but also sparked hope in over 700 rural Indian villages. His journey is not one of mere career milestones—it is a story of purpose, empowerment, and relentless pursuit of social equity.
Rajat Jay Sehgal: A Technologist with a Heart for Humanity
Rajat Jay Sehgal’s path began with a foundation in Business Administration and Management Information Systems, with a focus on Computer Science, from the University of Iowa. His early career in IT marked him as a standout in the private sector, where innovation was his forte. But life had a higher calling.
In a decisive pivot from the corporate world, Rajat Jay Sehgal was recruited by Proagro Seed Co. Ltd. in India, where he revolutionized the company’s operations by developing a cutting-edge IT network that connected facilities across the nation. This wasn’t just a technical triumph; it was a foreshadowing of Jay’s deeper mission—to connect people, ideas, and possibilities.
Joining a Mission Greater Than Himself
In 2001, a defining chapter unfolded. Rajat Jay Sehgal joined hands with Dr. Suri Sehgal and Mrs. Edda Sehgal, whose vision had already laid the foundation for a movement—S M Sehgal Foundation. Initially serving as Executive Director, Rajat Jay Sehgal helped shape and mold the foundation during its most formative years, designing sustainable models in water management, agricultural development, and rural governance.
His work was not just administrative—it was visionary. Jay’s strategic leadership ensured that every intervention was not only efficient but also empathetic. He looked beyond data and metrics to see real people: the farmers battling drought, the young girls denied education, and the communities without voice or infrastructure.
Global Connector with a Local Soul
In 2008, Rajat Jay Sehgal returned to Des Moines, Iowa, with his wife Veena and their two sons. But his heart remained rooted in rural India. From his position in the U.S., he amplified the foundation’s reach by connecting with donor organizations, research institutions, and student volunteers. His efforts paved the way for international collaboration and mutual learning, giving global citizens a front-row view of rural India’s resilience and resourcefulness.
One of his signature initiatives, “Transform Lives One School at a Time,” brought together the foundation’s key programs into an integrated model. The initiative focuses particularly on girls, those long pushed to the margins of society, and ensures they have access to clean water, proper sanitation, and education. Under Jay’s stewardship, this initiative blossomed into a nationwide movement for inclusive development.
Recognitions Rooted in Purpose
Jay Sehgal’s humility and tireless service have not gone unnoticed. In 2017, he received the Iowa Ag Leadership Award from then Secretary of Agriculture, Mr. Bill Northey, recognizing his contributions to global agriculture. The following year, he was honored with the International Impact Award by his alma mater, the University of Iowa.
But perhaps the most moving tribute came from Jay himself during his acceptance speech:
“This is not a celebration of my receiving the award, but a celebration of the work the Sehgal Foundation and the University of Iowa do together.”
These words echo the very spirit of service that defines him, not as a solitary achiever, but as a catalyst for collective progress.
Building a Legacy Beyond Borders
Today, the Sehgal Foundation works in more than 700 Indian villages, focusing on water security, food security, and social justice. These aren’t mere program titles—they’re lifelines. Under Jay’s visionary guidance, the foundation has become a model for sustainable rural development, where empowerment replaces charity, and dignity replaces dependency.
Through strategic partnerships, like the India Winterim program with the University of Iowa, students from across the globe gain firsthand exposure to rural development efforts in India. These immersive experiences are shaping future leaders who, like Jay, understand that global change starts at the grassroots.
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