In a remarkable achievement, Bhimasar village in Kutch, Gujarat, has gained recognition for its effective leadership and development initiatives. On Independence Day, August 15, three exemplary village heads, including Bhimasar’s woman sarpanch, Mrs. Daiben Humble, have been invited as special guests in New Delhi. Their efforts have brought numerous national awards, showcasing the power of visionary leadership in rural development.
Bhimasar village, alongside Akhod from Bharuch and Sultanpur from Navsari, has redefined rural development by implementing innovative ideas and practices. These villages have been awarded the prestigious titles of “Model Village of Rural Development” and “ODF Plus Model Village.” This recognition highlights their significant contributions to improving the quality of life for their residents.
Gujarat is known for its rapid development and inspiring vision. The villages of Bhimasar, Akhod, and Sultanpur exemplify this progress. Their sarpanchs have transformed their villages into hubs with urban-like facilities. This success is not merely a result of government programs but reflects the dedication of the village leaders who consider their villages as their homes.
Mrs. Daiben Humble, the woman sarpanch of Bhimasar, has dreamed of making her village not just clean, but prosperous. Under her leadership, every home in Bhimasar now has a toilet, and there is a comprehensive waste disposal system in place. The village has also implemented door-to-door waste collection, leading to its recognition as an ODF Plus Model Village under the Clean India Mission.
To further enhance green cover in the village, Daiben initiated the “Green Bhimasar Project,” which encourages families to plant ten trees each. Additionally, she has developed a 200-acre grazing land, known as “Vraj Bhumi Farm,” where grass is grown for local cattle using reservoir water. This initiative not only supports livestock but also provides employment opportunities for villagers.
Bhimasar now boasts essential facilities such as a public library, primary health center, post office, bank, and schools from primary to secondary levels. Daiben’s foresight has resulted in Bhimasar receiving a total of 13 national awards for its outstanding development efforts.
In Sultanpur, sarpanch Shashikant Patel has empowered his village socially and economically. He introduced a scheme to provide families with financial assistance of ₹5,000 upon the birth of a girl child, promoting the “Save the Girl Child” campaign. The village has also excelled in managing greywater, rewarding households with the best kitchen gardens to encourage sustainable practices.
Sultanpur is notable for its sensitivity towards the differently-abled, having installed Braille signage in public toilets. It has achieved 100% compliance with the Clean India Mission standards, becoming an ODF Plus Model Village. Shashikant’s humanitarian approach has turned Sultanpur into a model for others to follow.
Akhod village, led by sarpanch Narendra Singh Solanki, focuses on sanitation and water management. He has established a greywater treatment plant that operates on a nano effluent treatment system, saving water and reducing energy costs. The village has deepened old ponds and constructed new ones, strengthening its water resources.
Akhod has also achieved 100% compliance with the Clean India Mission and has provided water supply to all households through a piped network. Due to their remarkable performance, Akhod has received various awards, showcasing their commitment to becoming a smart and self-sufficient village.
The collective success of these three villages demonstrates the impact of dedicated leadership. When elected leaders work with a sense of service and commitment, village development becomes unstoppable. Cleanliness, water management, education, environmental sustainability, and social empowerment are areas where these villages have made significant strides.
These villages serve as an inspiration not only for Gujarat but for the entire nation, paving the way towards the vision of a developed India. Their visionary sarpanchs have been specially invited to the Independence Day celebration, highlighting their achievements and contributions to rural development.