I am the President of Umroli gram Panchayat in Mandangad Block. Umroli
comprises 4 villages: Umroli, Veral Tarphe Veswi, gudheghar and Shipole
Bandar. The Panchayat, located along a creek, fits the definition of picturesque.
The key livelihood activity of the village is agriculture. I was born into an
agricultural family in Umroli. I have always been outgoing, mature, and
helpful. I was married to a man from my own village and because of this, I
have developed a very intense allegiance to my village, Umroli. I have always
felt a strong desire to work for the betterment of the village.My husband works in Mumbai, because agricultural income cannot support
all our family needs. I stay in Umroli with my in-laws and two sons. Since
my husband is not around, I manage all the household and agricultural
responsibilities.Though I had wanted my village to develop and prosper, I had never thought
of contesting elections. However, when elections were declared and the post
of President was reserved for a woman, the villagers insisted that I contest the
election. Initially I rejected the thought, but with the increasing demand from
the village, I agreed to contest. My husband and in-laws were supportive of
my decision. This made it easier for me to enter this new phase in life. This is
how I started my political journey.The seat was reserved for an OBC woman; I belong to the Tilori Kunabhi
caste. Hence, I was eligible for the seat. However, due to political difference
between the villagers, another woman candidate of the same caste competed
against me. Nevertheless, the majority of the village supported me and I won
the election on August 12, 2005. After being elected from the Ward, the rest
of the ten gP members elected me as their new President.During the first six moths of assuming my new responsibility, my limited
knowledge and experience made me self-conscious. However, I slowly learned
through experience, and through interaction with THP-Parivartan’s programs.
I started attending their trainings, I came to know about the government
Schemes, gram Sabhas, and other governance related formalities &Bhavika Bhiku Bobale
President
Pachayat: Umroli
Block: Mandangad
District: Ratnagiri