Young MBA grad Chhavi Rajawat

Young MBA grad Chhavi Rajawat gave up a corporate career to become a Sarpanch in Rajasthan. She was part cajoled, part born into and part chose the role. Now amid water pumps and lambs she finds satisfaction and a firm belief that educated young Indians must help develop India’s villages and power its rural economy.

My decision to become a Sarpanch or work in Soda village was not pre-planned. I’d call it a twist of fate courtesy the villagers of Soda who almost emotionally blackmailed me into it. I had to make a choice between my individual fulfillment through a corporate career versus the lives of more than 9,000 people who came to me with hope and expectation in their eyes. I realized if I said ‘no’ I would have broken their hearts – and that, I did not have the heart to do.

For the people

My family has no political background. But my grandfather Brig Raghubir Singhji, who received the Mahaveer Chakra for his bravery in 1965, did a lot of work in his village after his retirement. In 1975, the villagers unanimously elected him the Sarpanch of Soda for three consecutive terms. During his tenure, the village saw some development which included roads, electricity, schools, hospital etc. After his retirement, for almost 20 years a number of other sarpanchs came, but the village did not see much development. Therefore the villagers were keen that someone from our family takes charge again. They wanted someone to bring in development. They also felt that a leader from our family would also help keep the villagers united as everyone had lot of respect for our family. I had my roots in the village and there was an emotional bond with it since my childhood. Even I wanted to see the village grow and I felt I should also contribute in whatever way I could. That is how it all started. The seat being reserved for women made things all the more easy.

I think my education and degree also helped in many ways in the initiatives we have taken in the village. For instance, I could successfully drive the water conservation project, create a project report and get the necessary sanctions from government officials on priority basis. I managed to persuade the Finance Minister of State (banking) to get an SBI (State Bank of India) branch opened in the village. We have also garnered some support from the Irrigation Department for a reservoir that we are creating. Mobilizing funds, communicating with government departments, persuading officials and finding ways do things within the system – everything requires a lot of effort, patience and persistence. Our villages still don’t have even the basic amenities in terms of sanitation, infrastructure or education.

Battling a lack of clarity

I realize there is so much ignorance and lack of awareness in our villages. Most of them don’t have any idea about government schemes or policies initiated to help them. There is also lack of clarity about the rights and responsibilities of the Panchayat. Sometimes, I feel a Sarpanch is just a pawn used as a scapegoat by the government or system when things go wrong.

However, when I look at these villagers and the number of people who could benefit from all the hard work, it keeps me going. They are my driving force and I want to make a difference in their lives. Besides, I do believe in the goodness of people. I feel if not today, definitely tomorrow we will be able to see a significant change. That faith and hope also keeps me moving ahead. There is a lot more work to be done and I will probably only be satisfied when I see all our projects come through. I want to make this place a self-sufficient and happy village.

I feel if we want to see India as a developed country in the real sense of the word, more and more educated young Indians need to come forward to help develop and improve lives in the villages. This is where more than 75 per cent of India lives. It is the foundation of our country and we must all join in and work together to make it strong.

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