On a crisp morning of October 31, 2023, at 11:31 am, our team embarked on a transformative journey into the heart of Sharavsti district, Uttar Pradesh. Our destination was Kanjarva village, a quaint settlement under the Ikauna development block. Little did we anticipate the profound narrative that awaited us—a tale woven with threads of governance, contradictions, and the intricate dance between progress and challenges.
As we entered Kanjarva, nature unveiled itself in vast fields of mango cultivation, thriving paddy, and flourishing vegetable gardens. The fertile land spoke volumes about the community’s reliance on agriculture, a testament to their resilience and hard work, ploughing through the challenges of rural life.
Amidst this picturesque scene, our attention was captivated by the lively sight of children playing in front of the home of the esteemed Panchayat Pradhan, Mrs Laxmi Kumari. Beside her house stood a substantial tractor, symbolizing the agricultural roots of the village. The curious eyes of the children followed us as we made our way towards the Panchayat office.
As Mr Iswar Chandra from Educate Girls called out, “Pradhan ji, Pradhan Ji,” to our surprise, the one who greeted us was not an elder statesman but a thin man in his mid-thirties, dressed in chappals, jeans, and a shirt, Mr. Dharmendra Kumar, the husband of Panchayat Pradhan Mrs. Laxmi Kumari.
We followed Mr. Dharmendra Kumar to the Panchayat office for a meeting. However, the absence of the actual Panchayat Pradhan raised eyebrows. Mr Dharmendra’s opening statement, “Mahilaye upper level kaa officer se ak sath thank baithak nehi kar sakte hain naa, isiliye unkaa kaam mein hi Pradhan kaa roop mein smbhalta hoon,” revealed a nuanced power dynamic, questioning his wife’s suitability and exposing societal biases.
The gender dynamics at play triggered reflections on the broader societal structures, reminiscent of the famous Indian series “Panchayat.” This unexpected encounter provided a real-life glimpse into the intricacies portrayed in movies, forcing us to confront the deeply embedded norms shaping rural governance.
Accompanied by Mr. Iswar Chandra, the Field Coordinator of Educate Girls, we found ourselves in the conference hall, where Panchayat officials, ward members, youths, and females from the village convened. Discussions delved into the workings of the Panchayat, government schemes, and the local geography. The Sarpanch husband’s attempts to create an inaccurate image of the village and lack of authenticity on development topics were evident.
Amid accolades for cleanliness, a paradox emerged. The village, adorned with dustbins, concealed dirty drainages filled with waste and stagnant water. Pradhan ji showcased a waste segregation centre, ostensibly well-equipped but starkly underutilized. The gap between recognition and ground reality highlighted the challenges faced by the community, leaving a lasting impact on our understanding of development.
In this story, Kanjarva village became a mirror reflecting the nuanced dance of progress and challenges in the development journey. The encounter urged us to approach development with a critical and empathetic lens, understanding that behind every accolade lies a narrative of struggle and unmet aspirations.
The significant moment in Kanjarva altered my perspective on governance, societal dynamics, and the implementation of development initiatives. It underscored the need for authentic engagement at the grassroots level, fostering a commitment to understanding the intricacies of development beyond surface-level achievements. This experience became a pivotal chapter, shaping a deeper and more empathetic understanding of the district, the complexities of development, and the evolving narrative of our roles in this transformative journey.
As we delved deeper into the discussions, the Sarpanch’s attempts to paint a rosy picture of the village clashed with the stark reality witnessed outside. The discrepancies highlighted transparency and accountability challenges within the local governance structure. The paradoxical existence of cleanliness awards alongside evident sanitation issues prompted us to question the effectiveness of accolades in driving real change.
It became clear that development wasn’t just about policies and awards but about the lived experiences of the people. As the meeting progressed, we navigated through conversations about MGNREGA, waste segregation, sanctions, and other developmental aspects. However, the Sarpanch’s lack of authenticity on these topics raised concerns about the village’s genuine progress.
Amidst these revelations, the village’s waste segregation centre emerged as a microcosm of the challenges in translating policies into meaningful action. Despite its existence, the underutilization underscored the gap between infrastructure and implementation. This disconnection between intention and execution became a focal point in our evolving understanding of development complexities.
The visit changed our perspective on the district’s development and prompted a deeper reflection on the dynamics of societal norms and power structures. Mr. Dharmendra’s statement about gender roles within the Panchayat system opened our eyes to the deeper societal biases that impact decision-making at the grassroots level.
This immersive experience in Kanjarva village became a cornerstone of my understanding of development. It highlighted the importance of going beyond the surface, questioning narratives, and actively engaging with communities to drive meaningful change. In retrospect, Kanjarva wasn’t just a dot on the map but a living narrative of resilience, challenges, and the quest for progress. The contradictions we witnessed became catalysts for a more nuanced and empathetic approach to our work in development.
As we left Kanjarva, the images of the mango fields, children playing, and the waste segregation centre lingered in my mind. The journey wasn’t just a physical one through the Sharavsti district but a symbolic one, leading me to reflect on my role as a facilitator of change. The visit to Kanjarva village was an odyssey into the heart of development complexities, societal norms, and the intricate dance between intention and execution. The echoes of Kanjarva continue to resonate, steering our collective efforts toward a more informed, empathetic, and impactful approach to development.
Written by Dibakar Borah, Student, Postgraduate Program in Development Management, Indian School of Development Management