Meet the ‘Hockeywali Sarpanch’ Changing Lives: Empowering Girls and Communities

Neeru Yadav, known as the “Hockeywali Sarpanch,” hails from Lambi Ahir village in Rajasthan’s Jhunjhunu district. She gained this nickname by forming a group of young girls passionate about hockey, breaking gender stereotypes and traditional norms.

Originally, Neeru aspired to play hockey in her youth, but family priorities led her to prioritize education over sports. However, destiny had different plans, and today, she’s a prominent figure as the ‘Hockeywali’ Sarpanch.

Neeru actively encourages and trains girls in hockey, fostering their dreams of playing for the nation. Her efforts have borne fruit, with several girls progressing to district and state levels, and some even eyeing national selections.

As Lambi Ahir’s first woman sarpanch since October 2020, Neeru addressed multiple issues. She facilitated a hockey ground and donated her salary to support the team. Her educational background includes an MSc in Mathematics, BEd, and MEd, and she’s currently pursuing a PhD.

To empower farmers, she established a Farmers’ Producers Organisation (FPO) to enhance agricultural practices and livelihoods. Neeru initiated skill development programs for girls under the Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY) Scheme, enabling women to secure jobs in Jaipur.

Collaborating with the State Bank of India (SBI), Neeru educated women about financial schemes like Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana and how to use UPI on mobile phones. She also launched a waste-free wedding program, implemented rainwater harvesting, and improved infrastructure with road construction.

Despite resistance from some due to her gender, Neeru believes in women’s leadership at all governance levels. She sees women as efficient leaders who excel in time management and multitasking.

Recently, Neeru appeared on Kaun Banega Crorepati and won Rs 6.70 lakh, which she plans to invest in promoting girls’ sports and environmental conservation through an NGO she actively manages.

With a vision to build a stadium in her village, establish a library for competitive exam preparation, and see more girls excel in hockey, Neeru Yadav’s impact continues to grow.

Re-reported from the article originally published in Your Story