Panchayats must champion education to drive India’s growth, says Shri Om Prakash Rajbhar, Hon’ble Minister of Panchayati Raj, Uttar Pradesh.
Lucknow, March 19, 2025: Education is the cornerstone of national development, and Panchayats must take the lead in ensuring equitable access, particularly for girls, stated Shri Om Prakash Rajbhar, Hon’ble Minister of Panchayati Raj, Uttar Pradesh. Speaking at a programme organised by the Aspirational Bharat Collaborative (Piramal Foundation) in collaboration with the Department of Panchayati Raj, Uttar Pradesh, he emphasized the transformative role of education in shaping India’s future.
“If we work together to promote education in Panchayats, India will take significant strides toward becoming a developed nation by 2047. Every child—whether a son or a daughter—has the right to education. We cannot afford to neglect this, especially for our girls,” said Shri Rajbhar.
As part of the event, the Minister unveiled the coffee table book Viksit Panchayat – Viksit Bharat, a collection of inspiring stories of 28 women sarpanches from Uttar Pradesh. A documentary, Panch Naari, chronicling the journey of a female sarpanch from the Tharu community in Bahraich, was also screened. The Minister further honoured women sarpanches who travelled from seven Panchayats across the state to participate in the event.
Shri Om Prakash Rajbhar, Hon’ble Minister of Panchayati Raj, Uttar Pradesh, unveiling the coffee table book Viksit Panchayat – Viksit Bharat
Empowering Girls Through Education
Expressing concern over gender disparities in education, Shri Rajbhar stated, “When a daughter is educated, she empowers two families—her own and her in-laws'. Special efforts must be made to encourage parents to send their daughters to school.”
Women Leaders Redefining Rural Governance
Shri Manmohan Singh, CEO of Aspirational Bharat Collaborative, Piramal Foundation, underscored the role of leadership in challenging traditions and breaking barriers.
“For centuries, rural leadership has been male dominated, but these women have shattered stereotypes with their courage and determination,” said Shri Singh. “Viksit Panchayat – Viksit Bharat is a tribute to these inspiring women who are redefining leadership in Uttar Pradesh.”
For many sarpanches, the event was a transformative experience. Munni Devi, sarpanch of Jajardevpur, expressed her emotions at having traveled outside Varanasi for the first time to attend the event.
Madhuri Devi, sarpanch of Fakiripuri Gram Panchayat in Bahraich and a member of the Tharu tribal community, shared her unique leadership challenges. Dressing in male attire to navigate societal perceptions, she remarked, “Women have started stepping into leadership roles, but we still have a long way to go. Standing alongside a Minister at this event is not just motivating for me and my fellow Panch Bhenen (sisters), but also for every girl who dreams of contributing to a Viksit Bharat.”
About Aspirational Bharat Collaborative
The Aspirational Bharat Collaborative, an initiative by the Piramal Foundation, works towards accelerating socio-economic progress through partnerships with government bodies, civil society, and communities. By focusing on education, healthcare, and leadership at the grassroots level, the initiative aims to foster sustainable development across India’s rural landscape.
About Piramal Foundation
Piramal Foundation is the philanthropic arm of Piramal Group. Aligned to the Sustainable Development Goals, the Foundation is committed to improving the lives of marginalized communities, by leveraging the power of youth and strengthening Government systems. With operations supported by 5,000+ employees, and spread across 27 States and 2 Union Territories, over the last 19 years it has touched the lives of more than 14.3 crore Indians.
This article was first published on March 21, 2025 in Newstrack
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