At the forefront of the rural development programmes undertaken by the Somaiya Group, are the activities of the Godavari Sugar Mills. Since its inception, the Sugar Mills have always been closely involved with, and concerned about the development of the farming communities with which it has interacted. This 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. These communities get to know the latest techniques of increasing crop yield, supplemented by meteorological information, modern irrigation techniques and improved seed quality, all of which are results of the pioneering work carried out by the Karnataka Institute of Applied Agricultural Research. The registered farmers in the Godavari Sugar Mills command area are encouraged by the provision of diesel engines and generator sets to help them irrigate their sugarcane crops during the summer. This is in addition to providing the usual capital advances on the purchase of farm equipment like tractors and also bullocks, fertilisers, seeds, etc. Veterinary camps are also organised on a regular basis for the general checkup of cattle and for artificial insemination. What's more, competitions are initiated which focus on the maintenance of cattle. Under the 'Grameen Vikas Kendra' (Center for Rural Development), several programmes for rural women are also in operation. These include vocational training and classes in tailoring, amongst others. The youth are given practical training in the maintenance of pumpsets and diesel engines. Training is also provided in sports and vocational activities to girls and boys during school vacations. Seminars on technology transfer are conducted regularly on topical subjects under the 'Anubhav Mantap' programme. Somaiya Vachanalyas have been established in the villages near the Godavari Sugar Mills to inculcate the reading habit among rural folk. Pravachanas and other cultural activities are also conducted, both on and off the Mill campus, to spread the message of peace and brotherhood. Girivanvasi Pragati Mandal The Girivanvasi Pragati Mandal is an arm of the Somaiya Trust that organise rural health care camps and eye camps to treat rural people for partial blindness and provide free cataract operations. Rural Healthcare Centers also undertake family planning programmes and education in addition to organising general health checkups for rural women. Recently, a one-week camp for patients of tuberculosis was arranged and free medication was provided to all those identified as patients.