HIRD Director, Dr. Virender Singh Chauhan urges Women Sarpanches to become catalysts for change

Nilokheri, January 16, 2026: In the Vedic period, Indian women were not only visionary sages but also participated in warfare when needed. These views were expressed by Dr. Virender Singh Chauhan, Director of the Haryana Institute of Rural Development (HIRD). He was addressing participants at a state-level training program on the topic of “Model women-friendly Gram Panchayat.”

The program was organized in collaboration with the State Panchayat Resource Center, Nilokheri.

Addressing the inaugural session, Dr. Virender Singh Chauhan said that 23 Gram Panchayats in the state are to be developed as ideal women-friendly Gram Panchayats in accordance with the central government's scheme. He said that this program has been continuously running for the past year with the objective of implementing the localization of Sustainable Development Goals at the grassroots level, to ensure inclusive, equitable, and sustainable development at the village level.

Giving examples of the courage and valor of Rani Lakshmibai of Jhansi and Rani Durgavati, HIRD Director, Dr. Chauhan said that women in Indian history have presented unparalleled examples of scholarship, leadership, and bravery. Referring to the Vedic period, he said that at that time, not only men but also women participated equally in society. He cited examples of learned women like Lopamudra, Maitreyi, Ghosha, Apala, Surya Savitri, Yami, and Gargi, stating that they were visionary sages.

Discussing social change, Dr. Chauhan said that during the period of subjugation, there was a mentality of confining daughters to the home due to fears of abduction as they grew older, but this thinking has changed over time. In India's core consciousness, both men and women receive equal respect, and this is the identity of our culture.

Dr. Virender Singh Chauhan administered a pledge to the women Sarpanches, urging them to undertake remarkable and revolutionary work in their respective villages. He emphasized ensuring women's participation in the Gram Panchayat Development Plan, setting clear goals, and working towards those goals with public participation. He also administered a pledge to maximize the use of the Hindi language in daily administrative tasks.

Giving the message of “My Village, My Panchayat,” Dr. Chauhan said that every goal can be achieved and positive change in society is possible with strong willpower and determination.

Program coordinator Dr. Neelam Chhikara welcomed the chief guest, Dr. Virender Singh Chauhan, and provided detailed information about the Ideal Women-Friendly Gram Panchayat Dashboard. She explained that this dashboard is an effective tool for monitoring women's participation in Gram Panchayats, the implementation of schemes, and women-friendly activities, thereby making the work of the Panchayats transparent and results-oriented.

Those present included Piyali Roy Chowdhury, National Advisor from the Ministry of Panchayati Raj; Gurvinder Singh, Advisor from the National Institute of Rural Development; Tripti, District Project Manager from Yamunanagar; Suman Devi, Sarpanch from Mahendragarh; Manju Bala, Sarpanch from Pataudi; Seema, Sarpanch from Dayalpur (Thanesar); and other participants.