It was her undeterred zeal coupled with strong conviction that made Arati Devi, take up the cudgels to bring about a social change in her village Dhunkapada in Ganjam district. A name to reckon with, Arati was in news recently for her outstanding contribution to grassroots level administration and representing the voice of India at an international summit in the US.
Braced with two degrees - business administration and law from premier universities and settled with a plush banking job, it was a difficult decision for Arati to think about getting into panchayat level administration. It was only when her village folks unanimously chose her as the sole candidate for Sarpanch in the Panchayat election in 2012 that Arati felt it was time to pay back to the society. ‘’I relented to their faith in me and resigned from my job. They assured me of absolute cooperation and my journey to usher in a bigger social change began,’’ says she.
Arati champions the causes of women and children, protection of village environment and fights for a just and equal society.
‘’Growing up amidst the socio political maladies of an interior village has always made me aware of the darkness of ignorance which needed a small spark to ignite a change,’’ says Arati.
Dhunkapada is a politically sensitive village with a population of 10,000 and has problems galore including that of illiteracy, violence, gender discrimination, poor health amenities and many other malaise.
Arati has also tried to create legal awareness among villagers which she says is a major tool for social development. She arranged legal literacy camps in her panchayat and has been successful in bringing a change in the mindset of people. Similarly to eradicate female illiteracy, she started signature campaigns as well as women empowerment camps for their holistic socio-economical development and equal participation in the developmental activities. Arati emphasises on regular convening of palli sabhas and the gram sabhas which facilitates free flow of opinions in the ground level.
Today, under Arati’s leadership, the villagers succeeded in attaining fair-weather road in four panchayats of Polasara Block. ‘’I feel happy when I see a glint of hope in the eyes of the villagers in every success story,’’ boasts the lady who has also ensured health and education for all in the village. Empowering village women, she has created self help groups as well.
The 28-year-old draws inspiration from her maternal grand father who was a freedom fighter and Gandhian. ‘’When I joined school, there were no teachers or teaching materials in our village school. So it was my priority to appoint teachers in our local schools and ensure that teachers come to school in time. Besides, I also opened a few non formal literacy centres where elderly and adult people can learn basics of education,’’ said Arati.
As an agent of social change, she was nominated for Rajiv Gandhi Leadership award 2014 from Asian Peace Foundation as well as international Jurist award, London for 2014. She got a lifetime opportunity to share her experience during her visit to the US on International Visitors Leadership Programme (IVLP). She spoke on ‘Transparency of programmes in local and state governments.’ The high profile summit created an opportunity for her to see and experience the US system of governance. ‘’It was a learning experience. I have to fight a bigger battle against inequality and bring social justice for my people,’’ exudes a confident Arati.