Mrs. Reena Uniyal
A Visionary Voice for Women and Tradition ( Social Entrepreneur | Community Leader | President, Devbhoomi Maa Ganga Charitable Trust ) .
Based in the heart of the Himalayas—Dhalwala, Muni Ki Reti (Tehri Garhwal)—Reena Uniyal has spent the last two decade weaving together the threads of social service, environmental preservation, and women’s empowerment. Her journey is a testament to the belief that when you empower a woman, you empower an entire civilization.
The Mission: Empowerment & Heritage
In 2021, Reena founded the Devbhoomi Maa Ganga Swayam Sevi Charitable Trust with a singular focus: to make the women of Uttarakhand self-reliant. Through the creation of Self-Help Groups (SHGs), she has turned traditional kitchen skills into a thriving economy.
Under her leadership, local women produce authentic Pahadi treasures:
Gourmet Flavors: Traditional Lunn (Pahadi salt), pickles, jams, and Mandwa (millet) biscuits.
Organic Purity: Sourcing and processing local turmeric, pulses, Koda, and Jhangora.
Cultural Pride: Reviving folk culture through the design of traditional attire and the iconic Pahadi cap.
In recognition of her grassroots impact, the National Urban Livelihoods Mission (NULM) appointed her as the President of the Autonomous Cooperative Organization (SHG).
Reena doesn’t just provide jobs; she provides futures. For over five years, she has spearheaded regular training programs in:
1)- Creative Arts: Tailoring, knitting, and embroidery.
2)- Modern Skills: Computer literacy and Beauty Culture.
3)- Wellness: Yoga instruction for holistic health.
Today, she bridges the gap between the farm and the table through her Organic Store and her latest venture, the "Pahadi Rasoi," a culinary initiative celebrating the authentic flavors of the mountains.
Reena doesn’t just provide jobs; she provides futures. For over three years, she has spearheaded regular training programs in:
1)- Creative Arts: Tailoring, knitting, and embroidery.
2)- Modern Skills: Computer literacy and Beauty Culture.
3)- Wellness: Yoga instruction for holistic health.
Today, she bridges the gap between the farm and the table through her Organic Store and her latest venture, the "Pahadi Rasoi," a culinary initiative celebrating the authentic flavors of the mountains.
Animal Welfare & Education: Reena’s heart for service extends to all living beings. Her work is defined by:
1)- Gau Seva: During the Lumpy Virus crisis, she personally oversaw the treatment of over 250 destitute cows. Her team remains a 24/7 lifeline for injured or sick stray animals.
2)- Investing in Youth: From teaching in slum communities to distributing winter essentials and stationery in government schools, Reena ensures that financial hardship never stands in the way of a child's education.
A Cleaner, Safer Devbhoomi. As a guardian of the environment, Reena is a vocal advocate for a Plastic-Free Uttarakhand. She leads regular plantation drives and works tirelessly to keep the Holy Ganga pollution-free. Her social commitment also includes:
1)- Drug-Free Society: Partnering with police to run awareness campaigns against addiction.
2)- Cyber Security: Educating the younger generation on navigating the digital world safely.
3)- Seva for Pilgrims: Organizing Bhandaras and refreshment camps for travelers visiting the holy land.
The Strength Behind the Spirit
Behind every initiative is the unwavering support of her husband, Mr. Yogesh Uniyal. His constant encouragement and partnership have been the bedrock of Reena’s ability to serve the community with such dedication and scale.
"My goal is simple: to keep our culture alive, our environment pure, and our women independent." — Reena Uniyal
Recognition of Excellence
A distinguished leader in social welfare, Mrs. Reena Uniyal, President of the Devbhoomi Maa Ganga Charitable Trust, has been widely recognized for her transformative impact on women’s empowerment and rural development in Tehri Garhwal, Uttarakhand. Her exceptional contributions have earned her the state’s highest honor, the prestigious Rajya Stree Shakti Tilu Rauteli Award (2023-24), alongside the Amar Ujala Nari Shakti Samman (2024) and the Nistha Women Achievement Award (2024). Through her visionary leadership and grassroots advocacy, Mrs. Uniyal continues to bridge socio-economic gaps, fostering independence and resilience for women across the Himalayan region.This award serves as a testament to Mrs. Uniyal's decade-long commitment to women's empowerment, environmental conservation, and her tireless service toward the welfare of Devbhoomi.
A Milestone of Excellence!
The Tilu Rauteli State Level Shakti Award
In a moment of great pride for the district of Tehri Garhwal, Mrs. Reena Uniyal was honored with the prestigious Rajya Stree Shakti Tilu Rauteli Award for the year 2023-24. This state-level recognition is awarded by the Government of Uttarakhand to women who demonstrate extraordinary courage and dedication to social reform.
The award was presented under the visionary leadership of Hon’ble Chief Minister Shri Pushkar Singh Dhami. The ceremony was graced by Smt. Rekha Arya (Minister of Women Empowerment and Child Development) as the Chief Guest, alongside several distinguished government authorities.
The event was held in the presence of notable dignitaries, including:
1)- Shri Umesh Sharma Kau (MLA, Raipur)
2)- Smt. Madhu Bhatt (Vice President of the Uttarakhand Culture, Literature, and Arts Council)
3)- Shri Prashant Arya (Director)
4)- Padma Shri Dr. Madhuri Barthwal
This award serves as a testament to Mrs. Uniyal's decade-long commitment to women's empowerment, environmental conservation, and her tireless service toward the welfare of Devbhoomi.
The NISHTHA Women Achievers Award
In celebration of International Women’s Day 2024, the NGO NISHTHA hosted its annual Women Achievement Awards to honor trailblazers across education, healthcare, and entrepreneurship. Among the distinguished recipients was Mrs. Reena Uniyal, President of the Devbhoomi Maa Ganga Charitable Trust. Mrs. Uniyal received the award in recognition of her dedicated service to the women of Tehri Garhwal, Uttarakhand, where her initiatives have significantly advanced the cause of social equity and rural empowerment.
In the mountainous regions of Tehri Garhwal, empowerment initiatives often focus on several key pillars that Mrs. Uniyal likely championed:
1)- Focus: Recognition of, and appreciation for, women's accomplishments.
2)- Economic Independence: Promoting Self-Help Groups (SHGs) and local handicrafts to help rural women gain financial stability.
3)- Education & Awareness: Conducting workshops on legal rights, health, and government welfare schemes (such as the Soochna Seva initiatives prevalent in the district).
Recognition of Excellence: Amar Ujala Nari Shakti Samman 2024
Mrs. Reena Uniyal, President of the Devbhoomi Maa Ganga Charitable Trust, was officially honored with the Amar Ujala Nari Shakti Samman 2024. This prestigious award recognizes her tireless dedication to the socioeconomic upliftment of women in Tehri Garhwal, Uttarakhand.
As a visionary leader, Mrs. Uniyal has been instrumental in creating sustainable opportunities for rural women through the initiatives of her Trust. The Nari Shakti Samman specifically celebrates her role in:1)- Grassroots Empowerment: Bridging the gap between government welfare schemes and the women of remote Himalayan villages.
2)- Advocacy for Equity: Promoting health, education, and legal awareness for women across the district.
3)- Social Impact: Leading the Devbhoomi Maa Ganga Charitable Trust to become a pillar of support for the underprivileged.
What People Say About us
"Turning the tide of migration by weaving the strength of the Himalayas into the fabric of self-reliance."
"The work being done by the Devbhoomi Maa Ganga Swayam Sevi Charitable Trust in the field of education is phenomenal. By providing skill-based learning to our youngsters, they are bridging the gap between traditional values and modern economic needs. Mrs. Reena Uniyal’s vision for a self-sufficient Uttarakhand is visible in every village they touch. They are the silent pillars of our community."
Manoj Bahuguna | Rishikesh
Date: January 11, 2025"For 20 years, we heard about change, but with this Trust, we actually felt it. The SHG motivation workshops changed our mindset from 'helpless' to 'powerful.' A huge thank you to Mrs. Reena Uniyal for her constant presence and helping hand. Whether it’s social welfare or promoting our local handloom heritage, her dedication to the 'last person in the last village' is an inspiration to us all."
Kavita Ghildiyal | Tehri Garhwal
Date: November 28, 2025"Joining the Women’s Self-Help Group was the turning point of my life. Before the Trust intervened, I was a simple homemaker with no financial voice. Under the guidance of Mrs. Reena Uniyal, I received skill-based training that allowed me to start my own small venture. Today, I am proud to be a breadwinner for my family. A special thanks to Reena Ma’am for her tireless social activities and for believing in the women of Rishikesh."
Sangeeta Semwal | Rishikesh
Date: March 12, 2023"Migration was the only future I saw for myself until the Devbhoomi Maa Ganga Trust organized a vocational workshop in our village. Their focus on the handicraft and handloom sector showed me that I could prosper right here in my ancestral home. The sustainable livelihood opportunities they've created are the reason our youth are staying back. The Trust is truly bringing 'Prosperity to the Hills.'"
Ramesh Singh Negi | Chamba, Tehri Garhwal
Date: October 15, 2023"Empowering lives isn't just a slogan for this Trust; it is their daily mission. I want to express my deepest gratitude to Mrs. Reena Uniyal. Her leadership in promoting organic farming and local handicrafts through our SHG has given us the strength to be self-reliant. She is a true sister to the people of Uttarakhand, working at the grassroots level to ensure no one is left behind."