Inspiring women sarpanches from Jharkhand and Madhya Pradesh who are redefining grassroots leadership with courage, compassion, and community-first governance. They transitioned from respected professions nursing and teaching into public office, driven by a desire to serve and spark inclusive development.

Prabala Kerketta (Jharkhand’s Dighia Panchayat) used her medical background to assist during COVID and later rescued a child bride standing up for girls’ rights in her community. Alka Mahto, Mukhiya of Purabdih Panchayat, challenged caste discrimination and launched menstrual hygiene campaigns and anemia camps in villages often marginalized by mainstream development. Sunita Bhalavi (Barcha Buzurg, MP) helped break caste barriers in her village and continues to lead movements for women’s participation and dignity.

Their leadership style is rooted in dialogue, trust‑building, and empowerment through action. They convene women-only sabhas, push for rights awareness, and ensure marginalized voices are heard not sidelined. Though they face patriarchal systems and “sarpanch pati” proxies, these women claim legitimacy through visible, measurable impact.

Their stories refute the myth that women in PRI seats are mere figureheads. These changemakers illustrate that when women lead from within or beyond traditional roles the contours of development, justice, and hope shift toward equitable outcomes for all.