A young administrator in his early 20s has exhibited how belief can be transformed into a living, thriving reality. How youth can influence the growth and prosperity of this country!
At the heart of this transformation is 30-year-old Sarpanch Jignesh Narayanbhai Rathod, who was elected at just 27. A civil engineering diploma holder, he represents a new generation of rural leadership— one that blends technical knowledge, youthful determination, and a strong sense of public service.
Jignesh is the Sarpanch of a small village called Kherwa, located in western Gujarat’s Surendranagar district and a youth coming from a modest family.
Home to nearly 3,500-4,000 residents, Kherwa has undergone visible change in the last three years. What sets the village apart is not merely the pace of development, but the clarity of its priorities. Basic infrastructure — often the backbone of rural progress — received top billing.
Roads, underground drainage systems, and street lighting were systematically upgraded. Using his engineering background, Jignesh ensured the efficient rollout of the Central Government’s flagship ‘Nal Se Jal’ scheme, bringing reliable drinking water to every household and ending years of water scarcity.
Perhaps the most striking feature of Kherwa’s development model is its strong element of janbhagidari— people’s participation. Projects for repairing old roads and drains were completed not only through government grants but also with contributions from villagers themselves.
Officials say the village reflects the rural empowerment model championed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, where community-driven initiatives complement state support.
Infrastructure aside, governance in Kherwa has focused on ensuring that social welfare schemes reach those who need them most.
Jignesh ensured that all pending applications under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY) were cleared, giving permanent housing to poor families. He also saw to it that landless individuals received assistance for residential plots, and beneficiaries were connected to widow pensions, old-age pensions, and other social security schemes.
The village witnessed the construction of a new Gram Panchayat building, installation of village-wide CCTV cameras for enhanced safety, and significant improvements in the local school through collaboration with non-profit.
Kherwa’s administration has embraced digitisation to streamline its functioning. Applications for government schemes, document submissions, and record-keeping are managed digitally by trained computer operators, making governance faster and more transparent.
Social media platforms now serve as the Panchayat’s primary communication channel, keeping villagers informed and engaged.
As Gujarat continues to promote the idea that the state’s prosperity is rooted in its villages, Kherwa stands as an example of what empowered leadership can achieve. Under Jigneshbhai Rathod’s guidance, the village is not only addressing needs but also building a foundation for the future.
For many young people in Gujarat, Kherwa is becoming a symbol— a reminder that knowledge, discipline, and a sincere commitment to public service can turn even the smallest village into a model of progress.
Also read: Four BLO deaths in Gujarat triggers anger over work stress
Follow us
