Nil Desai: Gujarat Sarpanch – 26 Failures, 1 PhD, a Visionary Leader

Nil Desai’s story from a small Gujarat village proves that determination and service can turn failure into extraordinary success.

In the quiet village of Talod in Gujarat’s Navsari district, a 52-year-old man named Nil Desai has become a symbol of resilience and determination. His story defies conventional paths to success: despite failing his Class 12 exams 26 times, Desai earned a PhD in Organic Chemistry and was elected Sarpanch of his village with an overwhelming 80% of the votes. His journey, marked by academic perseverance, community service, and leadership, is a testament to the power of grit and dedication.

A Challenging Academic Path

Nil Desai’s educational journey began in 1989 when he passed his Class 10 exams. Aspiring to become an engineer, he enrolled in the science stream but faced a significant setback when he failed his Class 12 exams in 1991. Undeterred, Desai continued to attempt the exams, accumulating 26 failures over the years. However, he refused to let these setbacks define him.

In 1996, Desai completed a diploma in Electrical Engineering, which allowed him to work in and manage an electrical business. A pivotal change in Gujarat’s educational regulations in 2005 permitted diploma holders to pursue degree programs, opening new doors for Desai. He seized this opportunity, earning a BSc and MSc in Chemistry from VS Patel College under Veer Narmad South Gujarat University. His academic journey culminated in 2018 when he earned a PhD in Organic Chemistry from Uka Tarsadia University, with his research focusing on green inhibitors for mild steel corrosion in various acids.

Remarkably, Desai’s academic ambitions persist. He plans to attempt the Class 12 exam for the 27th time in 2026, driven by a personal commitment to complete this milestone and inspire his community.

Motivated by his recent victory, Desai now aims to fulfil his long-standing goal of clearing the Class 12 exam and plans to attempt it once again in 2026. “I never gave up,” he says. “Despite repeated failures, I kept trying. Now that my village has placed their trust in me, I want to pass Class 12 and honour their faith in me.”

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A Life of Service

Desai’s achievements extend far beyond academics. For over 30 years, he has dedicated himself to serving his community in Navsari. His environmental efforts include planting hundreds of trees and founding the Hariali Group, which has created seven Miyawaki forests to promote biodiversity. He also led the restoration of a 150-year-old well in Wangam village and has plans to restore 20 more, alongside initiatives to improve water conservation in the region.

Living a simple life with his 86-year-old father and 79-year-old mother, Desai relies on his father’s pension and his brother’s income. His humility and grounded nature have endeared him to the people of Talod, who see him as a leader driven by service rather than personal gain.

“I passed my Class 10 exams in 1989 and pursued the science stream as I wanted to become an engineer. However, I failed my Class 12 boards in 1991. After another unsuccessful attempt, I enrolled in an electrical engineering diploma course based on my Class 10 qualification and completed it in 1996. After getting the diploma, I continued taking the Class 12 exams while working and managing an electrical business,” says Desai.

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A Landslide Victory and a Vision for Talod

In 2025, Desai’s lifelong commitment to his community culminated in his election as Sarpanch of Talod village in Gandevi Taluka, Navsari district. With 5,300 registered voters, 3,633 cast their ballots, and Desai secured an impressive 2,907 votes—an 80% majority. His victory, despite having no political background, reflects the trust and admiration he has earned through decades of service.

As Sarpanch, Desai has outlined a clear vision to transform Talod into a model village. His agenda, known as the “5-S” plan, focuses on:

This vision reflects Desai’s holistic approach to leadership, combining his personal values with practical goals to uplift his village.

“I stayed back at the village to care for my 86-year-old father and 79-year-old mother. It kept me close to the people, enabling me to champion their welfare,” he says. “Due to my work, they encouraged me to stand for the sarpanch post, which was an open-category seat. I respected their feelings and won the election.”

Now, as the Sarpanch, Desai envisions transforming Talod into a model village. “My goal is to bring holistic development through the 5-S agenda—Swachhata (cleanliness), Swasthya (health), Shikshan (education), Salil (water conservation), and Shist (discipline),” he explains.

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A Story of Inspiration

Nil Desai’s journey is a powerful reminder that success is not defined by conventional milestones or the absence of failure. His 26 attempts at the Class 12 exam did not deter him from achieving a PhD or earning the trust of his community as a leader. Social media posts on platforms like X have celebrated his story, with users praising his “jazzba” (spirit) and noting that his greatest achievement is the trust he has earned from his people (X Post by @sharma_views, X Post by @mopr_goi).

Desai’s story resonates with anyone who has faced setbacks. It challenges the notion that academic success is the sole measure of potential and highlights the importance of perseverance, community service, and lifelong learning. As he prepares to take the Class 12 exam again and lead Talod toward a brighter future, Nil Desai continues to inspire, proving that with determination, even the most unconventional paths can lead to extraordinary destinations.

(India CSR)