Who is Sangeeta Rod? Village Head Transforms School Attendance, Rewards Students with Washing Machine

Shamli, Uttar Pradesh: In a remarkable display of proactive leadership, Sangeeta Rod, the village head of Ahata Gausgarh under Jalalabad town in Shamli district, has become the talk of the town for bringing transformative changes in her village school. Her innovative approach has not only increased student attendance but also inspired parents to take a keen interest in education.

Revolutionizing School Attendance
Taking absenteeism seriously, Sangeeta Rod introduced a unique incentive program in her village school. Three months ago, she announced that students maintaining 100% attendance over the next three months would be rewarded through a lottery system. The grand prize—a washing machine—along with cash gifts of up to ₹500 for other qualifying students, motivated both students and parents alike.

Over the three-month period, 41 students achieved perfect attendance out of the school’s total enrollment of 162. The lottery was drawn, and Class 2 student Anurag, son of Sushil, won the washing machine, while the remaining 40 students received cash prizes. The program received widespread appreciation from parents and the local community, creating a positive atmosphere in the school.

Impact on the School and Community
Previously, absenteeism was a major issue at the Composite School in Ahata Gausgarh. Following Sangeeta Rod’s initiative, the school witnessed a significant increase in student attendance, with previously absent children now attending regularly. Parents who had paid little attention to education began ensuring that their children attended classes consistently.

Beyond Education: Combating Alcohol Abuse
Sangeeta Rod has also actively worked to curb alcohol abuse among village youth. In mid-2024, she launched awareness campaigns, engaged with the community, and collaborated with local authorities. Notices were put up encouraging villagers to report illegal liquor sales, with a reward of ₹11,000 for useful information. To promote healthy activities, she organized running competitions for the youth, offering cash prizes of ₹2,100 to winners, steering them away from alcohol and toward career development.

Through her dedicated efforts, Sangeeta Rod has not only enhanced school attendance but also fostered a culture of education, responsibility, and social awareness in her village. Her story stands as an inspiring example of how positive thinking and proactive leadership can bring tangible change.