Neeru Yadav, a social reformer represents the new face of changing India. She is known as the “Hockey Wali Sarpanch” She dedicated herself to implementing educational and social reforms to improve the lives of women in her village, serving as an inspiration to others. Neeru Yadav is the first young Sarpanch of Lambi Ahir, located in Tehsil Buhana, Jhunjhunu, Rajasthan. Lambi Ahir is a village with a majority of Yadav residents and is close to the Haryana border. Neeru gained the nickname “Hockey Wal Sarpanch” due to her notable accomplishment of forming a women’s hockey team in her village. Neeru donated her salary and created a fund to provide dedicated playgrounds, hockey equipment, uniforms, and a hockey coach for the team. She continuously motivates these girl players by organizing inter-city and inter-state hockey competitions. By empowering these female hockey players, Neeru Yadav has become a role model for other women in the village, encouraging them to break free from social constraints and achieve something extraordinary. Neeru Yadav is a strong advocate for education and skill development among the girls in her village. She has trained 10 girls under the PMKVY Scheme and helped them secure job placements in multinational companies. This success has led to 15 more girls joining Neeru Yadav for skill development training, and a new batch will soon begin. Recognizing her dedication to social change in her village, NABARD appointed her as the chairperson of the Farmers Producers Organization (FPO). The FPO, in collaboration with SIIRD, aims to bring numerous benefits to the farmers in Jhunjhunu, Rajasthan under Neeru’s leadership. During her school days, Neeru used to accompany her mother, Satya Prakash Devi, to provide tuition to underprivileged students in the evenings. One day, a man visited their home with his young daughter and tearfully explained that his wife had cancer, and her last wish was to see their daughter become a doctor. This incident sparked a fire within Neeru, inspiring her to empower women in the village. Fortunately, Neeru married Ashok Yadav, an engineer who shared her passion for women’s empowerment. Ashok always wanted to marry an educated girl, and he found the perfect match in Neeru Yadav. As Neeru prepared to become the Sarpanch, Ashok encouraged her to make a difference for village women and contribute to village development. Neeru started with initiatives such as providing free sanitary pads, organizing women’s health check-up camps, implementing skilling programs, promoting women’s participation in sports, supporting education, and raising awareness about banking among women. Today, Neeru Yadav leads a team of 50+ dedicated women volunteers who selflessly contribute to various awareness and developmental programs in the village. Neeru Yadav holds a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Science, as well as Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Education. Currently, she is pursuing a PhD in Geography. She received the “Shiksha Shree” from the Rajasthan government in recognition of her contributions in advancing women’s education in Lambi Ahir village. Neeru also spent over seven lakhs from her own savings to renovate the Government School in Lambi Ahir. In her recent initiative, Neeru started a unique campaign called ‘Garbage Free Marriage Functions’ in her village. She provides free steel utensils for cooking and serving during marriage functions, while a dedicated team collects food waste and converts it into manure to sell to farmers. The purpose of this campaign is to reduce waste from disposable items, plastics, and bottles, keeping the village clean and utilizing natural resources through recycling food waste. Neeru Yadav wants to work with any project that will give women opportunities because she wants to see women in her town empowered. Her ultimate goal is to prepare a women’s hockey team for international tournaments, serving the nation. Neeru Yadav’s Vision Neeru Yadav, also known as the ‘Hockey Wali Sarpanch,’ has a vision of creating a transformed society that embraces gender equality, empowerment, and community development. Neeru Yadav believes that sports, particularly hockey, can play a crucial role in promoting teamwork, discipline, and personal growth among young girls. By encouraging girls to participate in sports, she challenges traditional gender roles and norms, advocating for equal opportunities and recognition for all. Education and social reform are at the core of Neeru Yadav’s vision. She believes that these pillars are essential in building an inclusive society where everyone, regardless of their background, can access education, grow personally and professionally, and actively contribute to their community. She demonstrates her dedication to her community by investing her own resources into local development initiatives, showcasing her commitment to uplift and improve the lives of those around her. As a woman holding the traditionally male-dominated position of Sarpanch, Neeru Yadav fearlessly defies gender stereotypes and paves the way for women to assume leadership roles and make influential decisions. She serves as a role model, embodying her vision of a society where women are empowered to lead and contribute to the betterment of their communities. Above all, Neeru Yadav emphasizes the importance of active participation from all community members in driving societal growth and effecting positive change. By fostering collaboration and inclusivity, she envisions a progressive, inclusive, and empowered society that embraces the potential of every individual.
