What once appeared only on the silver screen in the Bollywood film Nayak is now set to become reality in rural Bihar. In a unique and inspiring initiative aimed at promoting girls’ empowerment and grassroots leadership, a teenage girl from Godhwa Gram Panchayat in West Champaran district will assume the role of Mukhiya (Village Head) for a day on January 26, Republic Day.
On this historic day, the selected girl will hoist the national flag, preside over the Gram Sabha, review development schemes, and put her symbolic approval on key village initiatives. The initiative seeks to instill leadership qualities among adolescent girls, provide them with practical exposure to democratic processes, and strengthen the participation of women—the “other half of the population”—in local governance.
A Step Towards Grassroots Empowerment
The innovative programme has generated widespread enthusiasm among students and the local community. More than 50 applications have been received from girls studying in Classes 6 to 9, submitted through Google forms. The selection will be made through a written examination, ensuring transparency and fairness.
A three-member jury—comprising ICDS DPO Vinita Kumari, C3 Coordinator Aditya Vishal, and Middle School Chiraia Headmaster Gyan Prakash—will oversee the evaluation process.
Three girls will be selected in total. The first-ranked candidate will be appointed Mukhiya for a Day, with the honour of flag hoisting and chairing the Gram Sabha meeting. The second and third-ranked candidates will participate by offering suggestions and inspecting development works. All participants will be felicitated, and the top performers will receive certificates of recognition.
Inspired by Vision, Rooted in Democracy
Panchayat Mukhiya Raju Baitha said the idea took shape during a leadership training programme he attended in Hyderabad. Inspired by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar’s vision of women’s empowerment and self-reliance, the proposal was first placed before the Gram Sabha on August 15 and was passed unanimously.
To ensure impartiality, the question paper has been prepared by an external agency, leaving no room for bias. “This is not a symbolic gesture alone; it is an effort to give girls real exposure to leadership and decision-making,” Baitha said.
Republic Day with a Powerful Message
This year, Godhwa Panchayat has decided to celebrate Republic Day as a symbol of women-led leadership. Notably, only women have been invited as chief guests for the ceremony, reinforcing the message of gender equality and inclusive governance.
Local leaders believe that this initiative will not only inspire the selected girl but will also motivate countless others to play an active role in their families, communities, and the democratic process.
As Bihar continues to experiment with progressive ideas at the grassroots level, Godhwa Panchayat’s “Mukhiya for a Day” initiative stands out as a powerful example of how democracy, when combined with vision, can truly empower the next generation.
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