Breaking age-old barriers of gender and the ideology of calling only the aged wise and apt, a 21-year-old woman from Bihar has become the youngest Sarpanch/Mukhiya (Village Head) in Panchayat Elections. With this, her name is etched in history.
Named Anushka Kumari, the woman won the post from Kushahar Panchayat of Sheohar block of the state.
Women her age are in college, looking for jobs, or sometimes married. However, Anushka decided to contest the election from her village. Her father, Sunil Singh, is a former member of the local district council. She was inspired by her grandfather, who made her want to make people’s lives better.
Anushka had full support from the villagers, and that’s how she managed a close win against her rival. She was both lucky and determined for her participation. The young woman received 2,625 votes compared to 2,338 votes attained by her nearest rival, Rita Devi.
She thanked her village people for showering their love and vote.
Also, read: Meet The Sarpanch Who Transformed A Backward Village In UP To A Smart One, Winning Accolades
As per her background, Anushka Kumari completed her graduation with history honors in Bengaluru, after which she came back to her village. She wishes to continue her education while working as a Sarpanch.
On being asked by the local news media why she decided to contest the election at such a young age, Anushka said she wanted to bring change to her area that deals with several underlying issues. She wishes to eradicate corruption and uphold the faith installed by the people of her village.
Anushka added that working in any field requires hard work and if one is ready to put in the effort, success will follow.