The relationship of caring and mutually derived benefits, and the commitment of the Somaiya Group to rural development has led to it playing a vital contributory role in the areas of India's farming and rural communities with which it comes in contact. The activities undertaken benefit the communities in areas of health, education and culture. 

Nareshwadi Learning Centre (NLC) is a classic example of such an initiative. Five hundred children from underprivileged families attend Nareshwadi's schools and live on campus. Ninety percent of them come from the local Warli, Kokani, Katkari and Dodhi tribal communities. Many live in interior villages with no schooling available. The rest are children with single or absent parents, or are from HIV-infected and -affected families. NLC nourishes the physical, intellectual, emotional as well as spiritual development of each child by providing an innovative education, caring home environment and fostering community involvement. NLC is an initiative of the Girivanvasi Education Trust, promoted by the Somaiya Trust. Read more about NLChere. 

Somaiya Vidyavihar also supports "Help A Child" - whose vision is of an India where all young people are able to continue their higher education and excel, regardless of their financial status and background. Read more about it here. 

The following are some other activities undertaken by Somaiya Grameen Vikas Kendra for the benefit of the rural population: 

Social Activities

• Vocational training and tailoring classes
• Adult education classes
• The running of and supply of toys and materials to anganwadis (preschools)
• shala (care taking programme) for cattle during severe drought
• Implementation of Dr.Maralusiddaiah's panchamukhi programmes at Madabhavi village
• Rehabilitation of Devadasis
• Veterinary camps

Health Programmes

• Hepatitis-B vaccinations
• Programmes on the ill effects of alcoholism and tobacco
• Programmes on food and nutrition
• Family planning programmes for women
• Multi diagnostic medical camps
• HIV/AIDS awareness programmes
• National pulse polio programme
• Eye check-up camp
• Dental treatment camps

Cultural and Sporting Activities

• Kabbaddi tournament
• Bhajan competitions
• Quiz competitions
• Bullock pair exhibitions
• Ranli painting competitions
• Folk music competitions
• Yoga classes