In the heart of Lambi Ahir, a small village in Rajasthan, a remarkable woman is rewriting the narrative of leadership, gender equality, and community development. Meet the “Hockeywali Sarpanch,” a nickname lovingly bestowed upon her by the locals, for her passionate commitment to promoting girls’ sports and financial literacy in her village.
Here is the incredible journey of this inspirational figure who is driving positive change in her community.
Empowering through Skill Development
Our Hockeywali Sarpanch launched a skill development program for girls under the Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY) Scheme. This initiative provides valuable skills training to young women, equipping them for a brighter future. As a result, women from Lambi Ahir are now pursuing various job opportunities in Jaipur, breaking barriers and shattering stereotypes.
Financial Literacy for Women
Recognizing the importance of financial independence, our Sarpanch collaborated with the State Bank of India (SBI) to educate women about financial schemes under the Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana and how to use UPI (Unified Payments Interface) on their mobile phones. This financial literacy drive is empowering women to take control of their financial well-being, fostering economic independence.
A Green Initiative: Waste-Free Weddings
Our Hockeywali Sarpanch is a staunch advocate for environmental conservation. She launched a waste-free wedding program, establishing a ‘utensil bank’ that provides stainless steel utensils for community gatherings like weddings. This initiative is reducing the environmental impact of single-use plastics while promoting sustainable practices in the village.
Women in Leadership
As a woman sarpanch in a society where men traditionally dominate leadership roles, our Hockeywali Sarpanch faced significant challenges. She had to redefine leadership and navigate the resistance from those who were not accustomed to a woman making decisions. However, her dedication and tangible results soon earned her the acceptance and respect of the community.
Reservations and Female Empowerment
Our Sarpanch emphasizes the importance of reservations for women in local governance. She believes it’s a vital step towards gender equality and women’s empowerment. She is a staunch critic of the practice of “sarpanchpatis” where husbands take charge of their wives’ panchayats. She advocates for women running for elections, winning, and governing independently.
Women in Leadership: A Game Changer
Our Hockeywali Sarpanch highlights the unique qualities that women bring to leadership roles. Women are known for their exceptional time management, multitasking skills, and emotional intelligence, all of which contribute to their effectiveness as leaders. She celebrates the increasing participation of women in gram sabhas (village assemblies) and their growing voice in community decisions.
From Village to National Spotlight
Our Sarpanch’s inspiring journey recently earned her a spot on the popular Indian television show, Kaun Banega Crorepati. She shared her story of positive change in Lambi Ahir and won Rs. 6.70 lakh on the show. She plans to use this prize money to further promote girls’ sports and support environmental conservation through the Aditri Foundation, an NGO she actively manages.
A Vision for the Future
With two years left in her term as Sarpanch, our Hockeywali Sarpanch’s vision for Lambi Ahir is ambitious and far-reaching. She dreams of building a stadium in the village, creating a dedicated space for young women to prepare for competitive exams, and establishing a library for knowledge-hungry minds. She’s also looking forward to seeing girls from her village excel in sports, particularly hockey, and represent their country on a grand stage.
In a world where leadership knows no gender, our Hockeywali Sarpanch is proving that women can be strong, effective leaders, bringing positive change to their communities. Her dedication to empowering women and fostering sustainable practices is an inspiration to us all. As we look to the future, we can only imagine the great strides Lambi Ahir will continue to make under her leadership.
