The women who are quietly transforming their communities
In Jalkotwadi village of Tuljapur block in Dharashiv district, Maharashtra, Gangabai Lokhande is one such leader. While her husband serves the nation as an army officer at the country’s borders, Gangabai dedicates herself to strengthening her family and village.
Managing her household, raising her children, and caring for her elderly in-laws, she still finds time each day to support women and farmers in her community. As a Sakhi, she began with small conversations that gradually grew into a powerful movement for change.
Gangabai guided farmers to adopt organic farming practices and helped families access government schemes by assisting with documentation and connecting them to institutions. She also encouraged women to engage with banks and financial systems with confidence.
Her efforts have created visible change. Around 200 farmers have adopted organic farming practices. Nearly 50 women farmers have started goat rearing, poultry, and dairy enterprises, while about 30 women have taken up non-farm livelihood activities.
Gangabai also played a key role in strengthening local governance. Through coordination with government systems, she helped mobilize nearly ₹1.2 crore in public resources for village development, ensuring that marginalized families benefit from available schemes.
After receiving training in water conservation, she mobilized her community to protect local water resources and actively contributed to the Gram Panchayat Development Plan (GPDP), ensuring that water security and livelihood priorities were included in village planning.
Recognizing her leadership, Gangabai has now been selected as a YASHADA Master Trainer, where she trains elected Gram Panchayat representatives on participatory governance and community development.
Her journey reminds us that when women lead, communities grow stronger.
Swayam Shikshan Prayog
08 March, 2026