‘Leadership is About Breaking Barriers’—Manmohan Singh, CEO, Aspirational Bharat Collaborative

Lucknow March 20,2025:-Education plays a pivotal role in a nation’s development. If we all work together to promote education in Panchayats, India will make significant strides toward becoming a developed nation by 2047. We cannot afford to neglect education, especially for our girls. Every child—whether a son or a daughter—has the right to education,” said Om Prakash Rajbhar, Hon’ble Minister of Panchayati Raj, Uttar Pradesh. He was speaking at a programme organized by the Aspirational Bharat Collaborative (Piramal Foundation) in collaboration with the Department of Panchayati Raj, Uttar Pradesh, in Lucknow on Tuesday.

As part of the event, Rajbhar released the coffee table book Viksit Panchayat – Viksit Bharat, which showcases inspiring stories of 28 women sarpanches from Uttar Pradesh. A documentary, Panch Naari, highlighting the journey of a female sarpanch from the Tharu community in Bahraich, was also screened.

The Minister also felicitated female sarpanches who had traveled from across seven Panchayats in Uttar Pradesh to participate in the event.

Girl Child Education: A Priority

Expressing concern over the unequal educational opportunities for girls, Shri Rajbhar emphasised, “When a daughter is educated, she empowers two families—her own and her in-laws’. This is why special efforts should be made to encourage parents to send their daughters to school.”

Women Leaders Driving Change

Manmohan Singh, CEO of Aspirational Bharat Collaborative, Piramal Foundation, believes that leadership is not just about holding a position but a mindset—one that challenges traditions, breaks barriers, and drives lasting change. Viksit Panchayat – Viksit Bharat celebrates the inspiring journeys of women panchayat heads who are redefining leadership in Uttar Pradesh.

According to Singh, “For centuries, leadership in rural India has been male-dominated, but these women have shattered that stereotype with their courage and determination, setting a powerful example.”

For many sarpanch attendees, the event was a deeply personal and transformative experience. Munni Devi, sarpanch of Jajardevpur, was overwhelmed with emotion as she traveled outside Varanasi for the first time to attend the function.

Madhuri Devi, sarpanch of Fakiripuri Gram Panchayat in Bahraich and a member of the Tharu tribal community, shared her unique challenges. She dresses in male attire to avoid unwarranted attention or being perceived as weak. “Women have started stepping into leadership roles, but we still have a long way to go. This event, where I am standing alongside a Minister, is not just motivating for me and my fellow Panch Bhenen (sisters), but also for every girl who dreams of contributing to a Viksit Bharat,” she said.

“Amidst sensational news, the stories of women Pradhans provide us with hope and demonstrate that change is possible. Each story showcases how, despite facing significant challenges, the issues within Panchayats can be addressed effectively by women pradhans. These narratives serve as excellent examples of solution journalism,” said Sanjay Singh, Senior Program Director and Head of UP state operations, Piramal Foundation.