Transforming Rural Leadership: Stories of Courage & Change
National Youth Day Today
Transforming Rural Leadership: Stories of Courage & Change
India’s youth—378 million strong—represent the pulse of the nation’s future. But despite making up nearly two-thirds of the population, rural youth remain on the sidelines of India’s economic growth. Contributing just 46% to the national GDP, the vast majority still depend on agriculture and face mounting challenges. For women, the obstacles are even more daunting. According to Transform Rural India’s (TRI) State of Rural Youth Employment 2024 report, a large portion of rural youth—especially young women—remain excluded from opportunities for growth, held back by societal barriers and systemic inequalities.
Yet, even in the most underserved corners of the country, a new wave of leadership is rising. But not the kind that’s defined by titles or authority. It’s the kind of leadership that emerges from everyday action, driven by determination, empathy, and the courage to challenge the status quo. This National Youth Day, we celebrate three young women—Sarita Bhuriya, Nirmala, and Reshma Ninama—whose stories are rewriting the rulebook on what it means to lead in rural India.
Sarita Bhuriya
"I never saw myself as a leader, but now I am one"In Bhagsur, Madhya Pradesh, Sarita Bhuriya spent her early years working on the farm and taking care of household chores. “At 23, I didn’t think I could ever be a leader,” she remembers. “My life was limited to the fields and home.” But everything changed when Sarita joined a Self Help Group (SHG) to learn about village processes and government schemes.
Sarita took part in visioning exercises led by Transform Rural India (TRI), where she trained as a Change Vector in local governance and education, and later became a Business Correspondent Sakhi. During the pandemic, she led awareness campaigns and vaccination surveys. Today, Sarita runs a Common Service Centre (CSC) and earns about Rs 1.5 lakh annually. “The best part is seeing other women in my village inspired by my journey,” she says.
Nirmala
"I didn’t choose leadership; it was a matter of survival"For 30-year-old Nirmala, leadership was born out of necessity. Married before 18 and a survivor of domestic violence, she became a sole breadwinner after her husband left. Joining an SHG and attending TRI gender training sparked a realization: “It wasn’t my fault—it was because of inequality.”
Nirmala became the Coordinator of the Lok Adhikar Kendra under the National Rural Livelihood Mission (NRLM). She now works to address domestic violence, child marriage, and dowry. Today, she stands as a strong voice for women seeking to reclaim their rights and dignity.
Reshma Ninama
"Leadership begins with listening and caring"In Asaliya village, Reshma’s journey began with small acts of care—walking mothers to health centers and discussing nutrition. After participating in TRI’s visioning exercises in 2021, she trained as a Health Change Vector.
In 2022, she was elected Sarpanch (village head). As Sarpanch, Reshma has prioritized health services and inclusive development, successfully securing a Sub Health Centre for her village. “Leadership is about listening to the people you serve,” she says. “When you care about your community, they will trust you.”
