Gujarat : Young Nurse-to-Be Becomes Sarpanch

Ahmedabad, Gujarat – “I’m in the final year of my nursing studies. While there are many opportunities to work abroad after this, it was after seeing Modi Sir that I developed an interest in public service. With the blessings of the villagers, I now have the opportunity to serve and I am committed to working for the development of our village.” said Khushali Kanjibhai Rabari, the newly elected Sarpanch of Kada village in Visnagar taluka of Mehsana district. At just 24, Khushali secured a decisive victory in the recent Gram Panchayat elections with a lead of 1,320 votes. She now looks forward to improving basic amenities and leading development efforts in the village.

Khushali has grown up witnessing the impact of Shala Praveshotsav – Kanya Kelavani Mahotsav, launched in 2003 by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi as the then Chief Minister of Gujarat. In 2006, she was enrolled in the village primary school through this very initiative. Now, as Sarpanch, she will be admitting children under the Shala Praveshotsav on June 27, 2025, a symbolic moment in her journey from student to village Sarpanch.

Khushali Rabari is currently in the final year of her nursing studies at Sankalchand Patel University (SPU) in Visnagar. After completing her course, she too considered going abroad, given the wider job opportunities. However, over time, her interest gradually shifted towards leadership. She draws her inspiration from the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi. “I had seen Modi Sir in person at various programmes in Gandhinagar and Ahmedabad. His leadership truly inspires me. Because of him, I developed an interest in leading,” she said. “Now, I want to serve my village by improving roads and other development works. We will work to resolve every issue, big or small.”

Khushali lives with her parents and two younger brothers. At a young age, being entrusted with the role of Sarpanch has brought immense pride and happiness to her family and friends. Her achievement has become an inspiring example for the women of the village.