I have passed Class xII and although I wished to study further, I could not
due to the economic condition of my family. I am married and have two
children. We belong to the Scheduled Tribe category. In the 2007 Panchayat
elections, I was elected member of my gram Panchayat. Initially, I was very
apprehensive to work as part of a team, that I know nothing about, but then
I thought that I could do as well as any of the others, since I was at least
passionate about the work.A thief had once stolen a water pipe in the village, a villager who saw it instantly
informed me about it. After receiving the information, I immediately went
to the spot, but the thief had run away. I went to the Police Station, but
the Police Officials refused to register the case. Therefore, I went to Forest
Department and they suggested I go to the Irrigation Department. I explained
all the details to the Officials in the Irrigation Department and they started
an enquiry soon after. In a few days time, the thief was arrested and punished
by the Court.After the case was over, the Officials handling the case on behalf of the
Irrigation Department asked me how I had so much confidence and courage;
I told them that the “Panchayat Sakhi” training program that was responsible
for my bravery and confidence.Mangala Valavi
Member
Village: Vasalai
Block: Nandurbar
District: Nadurbar