Sarpanch meets the US President

Sarmi Bai

Facing bright sun in the month of January (2011), after walking for about a kilometer, passing through golden fields of Mustard, I reached. Sarmi Bai dressed up in Red Oodni (scarf) welcomed me. Yes, it does sound like a screenplay of a bollywood commercial film. Strong headed Sarmi Bai, Sarpanch of Chandela Gram Panchayat of Abu Road block, Sirohi district, Rajasthan is a mother to four children. Her husband is physically challenged and runs a grocery shop in the village. Unlike many women Sarpanch’s who either come from a politically active family or take up the responsibility only for name sake as their work is taken care of by sarpanch’pati’ (Sarpanch’s husband), Sarmi fitted in neither of the two conditions. Life was never a cake walk for her, from fighting with her parents who did not let her study to contesting elections for the post of Sarpanch, she faced rejection and criticism from people at many turns in her life, which she believes made her what she is today. A strong, independent woman.  

Confident, strong headed woman touching her forties said ‘Obamaji mujhe bole ki woh bhi mere jaise parivaar se aaye hai’ (Obama told me that he also comes from a similar family). This middle aged, tribal, ordinary woman still couldn't believe that she met and shook hands with the President of United States on his visit to India in November 2010.  Sarmi Bai was privileged to be selected from all over the country, the only woman Sarpanch to meet the president one fine evening, in an event organized on 73^rd constitutional amendment act.

This was not enough. On returning back she realized that she was no more just a Sarpanch, her status had changed; from just being the head of the village to a celebrity. Sarmi was all over the local media, much more confident than before, sparkle in her eyes and ear to ear smile on her face said it all. ‘Ab mere naam se State ki GK ki kitaab mein ek sawaal bhi hai’ (there is now a question on my name in state GK book) said Sarmi Bai while sipping Lal Chai (Red tea) as we sat outside her house.