Soda, My Village
Growing up, my family taught me not to look at people differently. They encouraged me to consider my village, Soda in Rajasthan, as my family. Whenever I would come home during my school holidays, I visited different families in the village. It did not matter whether I knew them or not. I enjoyed taking tractor rides with elderly men, who would go from one farm to the other. My grandfather or my parents never questioned me. I was allowed to make my own decisions.
I did my schooling in Andhra Pradesh, far away from Rajasthan, a state where caste-related issues are prevalent. While I was aware of societal ills like inequality or patriarchy, they did not affect me. I think my childhood experiences have helped shape me into the person I am today. To be able to be empathetic to people and their needs helped me when I was a sarpanch.
Becoming a Sarpanch
Sarpanch In 2010, it was solely the decision of the villagers who wanted me to be elected as the sarpanch of the Gram Panchayat of Soda village. Of course, the reservation for women in Panchayats contributed to my winning but I feel it was largely due to the strong emotional connection I have always had with the villagers. And they accept this.
This story is from the November 21, 2023 edition of Outlook.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the November 21, 2023 edition of Outlook.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
The Muslim Question
In the time of polarisation politics and othering, how to respond to the banality of hate?
Voters' Cold Wave
Heat wave, voter apathy and cyclic migration are blamed for the poor voter turnout in Bihar. Political parties are clueless about what impact will it have on election results
Occupy Ivy League
Students protesting in American universities are asking the US government to rethink its policy towards Israel
Left Side Story
Personal attacks, lower voter turnout and the BJP’s determined campaigning: how has Kerala voted this time?
Across the Pir Panjals
The newly carved-out constituency of Anantnag-Rajouri is set to witness a very close contest
Gashes in the Red Sand
Residents of the tribal district of Gadchiroli resist development models that destroy the environment
When Taps and Hope Run Dry
Peaking water scarcity and pervasive groundwater contamination have increased migration from many districts of Rajasthan.
Pilgrim's Politics
Two-time MP from Varanasi, Narendra Modi, is sculpting the eternal city in his image
Under The Model Town
Muslim ghettos in Ahmedabad are dilapidated and neglected
The Master Strategist
The Assam chief minister enjoys popularity both as an administrator and a politician despite his relentless anti-Muslim rhetoric