iSEC Events

The IRMA Social Entrepreneurship cell organized a visit to Punsari village, declared as an ideal village of the country. The sarpanch, Mr. Himanshu Patel, played an important role in the development of this village over the last six years of his tenure. Before 2006 it was like any other village of Gujarat beset with the problems of drinking water, sanitation, and poor infrastructure. Thanks to the sarpanch’s efforts, Punsari village was recognized by MoRD as well as state Chief Minister, Mr. Narendra Modi.

With no NGO and no NRI funding in place, 98% of its population was engaged in agriculture or dairy. Today, one is pleasantly surprised to see a CCTV camera monitoring system, mineral water plant catering to the entire village, CC roads, a centrally air-conditioned government school (set up with Panchayat funds alone). This visit was a learning experience for budding entrepreneurs and rural managers. It was difficult to believe at first that such a village actually existed in India but visiting it turned out quite a revelation. It was incredible to see first-hand the kind of change commitment and leadership can bring to a community.