a training organized by THP-Parivartan, I initially ignored them. However,
after they made consistent requests, I made up my mind to attend the training.
When I attended the trainings and other workshops, I came to know valuable
information about running the gram Panchayat and about local governance.
When I attended the Women’s Leadership Workshop, I felt very much at
home, and my childhood spirit returned to me. I learned as I played, I danced
and sang; this workshop will remain one of my fondest memories.
From training to training, I became more energetic. The training convinced
me of the need to establish a relationship with villagers and other gP members.
I began to attend the gram Panchayat office every day. This proved very
convenient to villagers as they could find the President at the office whenever
they needed me. The other benefit was that I could go through the records
every day. During this time, I would read about the gram Panchayat. I read
files of government Resolutions and the gram Panchayat Act. If I had any
doubts, I would visit the Parivartan Office and get my doubts clarified. I
would regularly visit the entire hamlet. I established a very strong relationship
with the villagers because of this, and soon I became a favorite President.
At the gram Panchayat level, I never differentiated between gP members
on political party or caste lines. Whenever I had to make or implement any
decision, I worked with all the Members. This reduced any internal resistance,
often faced by many Presidents, and I faired better and better everyday.
As a President, I prioritized the issue of water scarcity. I discussed this in the
gram Sabha. There, I came to know that an earlier body had made a proposal
for a water supply schemes. I decided to implement this proposal to save time.
Before I could do this, the proposal was withdrawn due to a political tussle. I
made another proposal. This was also refused as the Scheme had closed down.
However, I was very determined; I prepared the proposal under ‘Vishesh
ghatak Yojana.’ I made follow-up visits and got the proposal sanctioned.
Then, the real tensions began. Some of the ex-Panchayat members did not
want me to complete this task. So they convinced the landowners not to give
their land for the venture. I took the whole body in confidence, arranged
meetings with the landholders, and convinced them that water was an issue of