The first batch of Taruni classes in village Nunthankal led to the development of many exemplars. Three of the attendees now serve society as part of local governance in their villages.
Ch. Kavitha’s story is about an achiever who began as a mere citizen and quickly emerged as a people’s representative. Kavitha shares that “it is very rare to have an opportunity to realize one’s dreams and then implement what we have learned.” After learning about village-level institutions, Kavitha became a part of the same. She contested as a sarpanch and won.
After she took her oath as a sarpanch, she said, “The Taruni classes helped me a lot to learn about leadership qualities and personality development. It is fortunate for me that I contested for the elections while learning about panchayati raj institutions, government schemes, etc. Now it is easy for me to understand how the gram panchayat implements activities. I can implement what I have dreamt, and I can help solve the village issues.”
Kavitha is unstoppable. Within one week after her election to the office, she addressed the community’s water issue. The village RO water plant had been closed due to a major repair need. She immediately focussed on the issue and resolved it. As Kavitha continues to gain ground, she is helping to solve many such issues, and she is monitoring things efficiently. She exemplifies the power of community engagement and good governance.
