She grew apples in the desert, invited to Rashtrapati Bhavan

DEVI'S ARID-FARMING SUCCESS HAS EARNED HER REPUBLIC DAY INVITATION

- BY STEPHEN N. R.

From the arid fields of Rajasthan to an invitation from Rashtrapati Bhavan, Santosh Devi's journey has become a story of grit, innovation and quiet revolution.

A native of Beri village in Sikar district, Santosh Devi has been invited to attend the Republic Day celebrations in the state capital this year for achieving what many believed was impossible — growing apples and pomegranates in arid land considered unsuitable for fruit cultivation.

The invitation, which arrived by post, quickly became a moment of celebration in her village, filling residents with pride.