Ramila Vaghela, who spent eight years as a street-sweeper in Nidhrad village (Sanand taluka), has been elected sarpanch. Starting next month, her former supervisors will address her as “Sarpanch Shri”. She has pledged to improve roads, water supply, and housing in her village—marking a powerful shift in both social standing and governance .

Satyesha Leuva, a 25‑year‑old SFI state secretary and lawyer from Vadvasa (Sabarkantha), won the sarpanch seat in a three-way contest. She aims to establish a primary health centre, enhance school infrastructure, improve housing, and upgrade street lighting .In Kada village (Mehsana district), Khushali Rabari, a 19‑year‑old final‑year nursing student inspired by PM Modi, won the sarpanch election by 1,320 votes. She plans to focus on basic amenities and spearhead development projects—returning to lead the same school-enrolment campaign she once joined as a child .

These stories highlight a broader change: local women—some cleaning streets, others finishing school or advocating for water systems—are stepping into rural leadership roles, bringing fresh perspectives and community-first agendas.

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