In a small village named Lambi Ahir in Rajasthan’s Jhunjhunu district, a remarkable transformation is taking place, led by the dynamic Neeru Yadav, affectionately known as the ‘Hockeywali Sarpanch.’ Her story is one of determination, empowerment, and a relentless pursuit of positive change.
From Dreams to Reality
As a young girl in Haryana, Neeru Yadav nurtured a dream of becoming a hockey player. However, societal norms and familial expectations often reroute personal aspirations. Her family insisted she prioritize education, causing her to put her hockey dreams on hold. Little did she know that destiny had other plans for her.
Fast forward to the present, Neeru Yadav is at the forefront of a sporting revolution in Lambi Ahir. She has assembled a spirited team of young female hockey players who are challenging gender stereotypes and tradition with every goal they score.
The Hockeywali Sarpanch
Neeru Yadav, often spotted on the field with her players, encourages and trains them to be their best. On certain days, she joins the action herself, demonstrating her dribbling and dragging skills, igniting excitement among the girls. Their dedication and hard work have borne fruit. What began as a modest endeavor has now blossomed into a group of 25 girls regularly playing hockey. Some have even advanced to district and state levels, gearing up for national selections.
Neeru Yadav: The ‘Hockeywali Sarpanch’ Empowering Girls in Rajasthan’s Lambi Ahir
Empowerment Through Sport
Neeru Yadav’s journey as a sarpanch commenced in October 2020 when she assumed office as the first woman sarpanch of Lambi Ahir. Her initial task was to breathe life into the dreams of young girls who aspired to represent their country in hockey.
Lack of infrastructure posed a challenge, but Neeru Yadav was undeterred. She rallied the community, convinced parents to allow their daughters to train, and donated her salary to fund coaching and facilities. Eventually, Lambi Ahir got its own hockey ground.
A Multifaceted Approach
Yadav, equipped with an MSc in Mathematics, BEd, and MEd degrees, didn’t stop at sports. She initiated a Farmers’ Producers Organisation (FPO) to empower local farmers by improving their agricultural practices and financial access. This move rescued farmers from high-interest moneylenders and provided access to government schemes.
Under the Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY) Scheme, she launched a skill development program for girls, enabling them to secure employment in Jaipur. Collaborating with the State Bank of India, Yadav educated women about financial schemes like Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana and UPI usage on mobile phones.
She also pioneered waste-free weddings, established a utensil bank for stainless steel utensils to reduce single-use plastics, and initiated Self-Help Groups (SHGs) for various projects. Lambi Ahir saw the construction of soak pits, rainwater harvesting, and road development during her tenure.
Defying Stereotypes
As a woman sarpanch, Neeru Yadav faced gender bias and resistance from those accustomed to male leadership. However, her dedication and tangible results gradually won over skeptics. She advocates for more women in local governance, believing that women’s efficiency in time management, multitasking, and emotional connection make them effective leaders.
Her appearance on Kaun Banega Crorepati, where she won Rs 6.70 lakh, further amplified her mission to promote girls’ sports and environmental conservation through the Aditri Foundation, an NGO she actively manages.
With a vision that includes building a stadium, a library for competitive exam preparation, and nurturing young hockey talents, Neeru Yadav’s journey as the ‘Hockeywali Sarpanch’ is far from over. Her story is a testament to the power of determination and the profound impact a dedicated individual can have on a community’s transformation. Story source: yourtsory.com
Madhav Fashion Empowers Change Through Neeru Yadav, the ‘Hockeywali Sarpanch’
At Madhav Fashion, we believe in the power of individuals to drive transformative change within their communities. Neeru Yadav, affectionately known as the ‘Hockeywali Sarpanch,’ embodies the spirit of determination, empowerment, and unwavering commitment to positive change. Her remarkable journey from dreams to reality has ignited a sporting revolution in the small village of Lambi Ahir in Rajasthan’s Jhunjhunu district.
Neeru Yadav’s story resonates with many who have faced societal norms and familial expectations that often hinder personal aspirations. Despite the detours, she nurtured a dream of becoming a hockey player. Her family emphasized education, leading her to put her hockey dreams on hold. However, destiny had a different plan.
Today, Neeru Yadav is leading the charge for gender equality and breaking traditions in Lambi Ahir. She has gathered a spirited team of young female hockey players who are challenging stereotypes with every goal they score.
As the ‘Hockeywali Sarpanch,’ Neeru Yadav is not just a leader; she’s a mentor and coach to these young athletes. She stands with them on the field, demonstrating her skills and igniting excitement among the girls. Their dedication and hard work have paid off, as their modest endeavor has grown into a group of 25 girls regularly playing hockey, with some even competing at district and state levels, eyeing national selections.
Neeru Yadav’s journey as a sarpanch began in October 2020 when she became the first woman sarpanch of Lambi Ahir. Her mission was to breathe life into the dreams of young girls aspiring to represent their country in hockey.
Facing the challenge of limited infrastructure, Neeru Yadav was undeterred. She rallied the community, convinced parents to allow their daughters to train, and even donated her salary to fund coaching and facilities. Lambi Ahir now boasts its own hockey ground.
But Neeru Yadav’s contributions don’t stop at sports. Armed with an MSc in Mathematics, BEd, and MEd degrees, she initiated a Farmers’ Producers Organisation (FPO) to empower local farmers by improving agricultural practices and financial access, liberating them from high-interest moneylenders.
Under the Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY) Scheme, she launched a skill development program for girls, enabling them to secure employment in Jaipur. Collaborating with the State Bank of India, Neeru Yadav educated women about financial schemes like Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana and UPI usage on mobile phones.
Her pioneering efforts extend to waste-free weddings, a utensil bank to reduce single-use plastics, and Self-Help Groups (SHGs) for various projects. Lambi Ahir has seen the construction of soak pits, rainwater harvesting, and road development during her tenure.
Despite facing gender bias and resistance, Neeru Yadav’s dedication and results have won over skeptics. She advocates for more women in local governance, believing in women’s efficiency in time management, multitasking, and emotional connection as qualities that make them effective leaders.
Neeru Yadav’s appearance on Kaun Banega Crorepati, where she won Rs 6.70 lakh, further amplified her mission to promote girls’ sports and environmental conservation through the Aditri Foundation, an NGO she actively manages.
Madhav Fashion is honored to share Neeru Yadav’s inspirational journey, reflecting our commitment to empowering individuals who drive positive change. As a leading Embroidered Fabric Manufacturing Brand in Asia, we recognize the value of initiatives that uplift women and their success stories. That’s why we are thrilled to provide space on our official website, www.madhavfashion.com, to showcase stories like Neeru Yadav’s, where determination, empowerment, and community transformation take center stage. Join us in celebrating the power of individuals to inspire change. #MadhavFashion #Empowerment #CommunityTransformation #WomenLeadership #PositiveChange #HockeywaliSarpanch
