In a remarkable display of collective determination, residents of Sheglidhar village in Diyar panchayat of Kullu district have constructed a 4-km road in just 14 days using their own resources. The villagers demonstrated extraordinary unity, manpower and resolve by completing the road from Bonaage (Prohadhar) to Klasiwai via Sheglidhar entirely with their own money within a fortnight. The newly constructed road was inaugurated recently with traditional rituals and celebrations.
The groundwork for the project was laid during a meeting of the Shanghadi Public Cooperation Committee held at Prohadhar on April 26. A detailed action plan was prepared to expedite the construction work and the office-bearers of the committee were elected. Jaimel Singh was appointed president, Bhader Singh vice-president, Hem Raj Bhardwaj secretary and Ajay Kumar was appointed treasurer.
The committee took several key decisions to ensure the timely and transparent execution of the project. From arranging meals and accommodation for the machine operator to collecting contributions, the villagers managed every aspect of the work themselves. Strict measures were also adopted, including recovering full payment from those who attempted to obstruct the road construction work.
During the inauguration ceremony, spiritual guides of the village deities, Amar Nath and Buddha Nath, performed traditional rituals. In keeping with the local customs, the eldest villager, Khub Ram, cut the ceremonial ribbon and dedicated the road to the public.
The ceremonial breaking of a coconut was held and after which a convoy of vehicles moved to Klasiwai on the sound of traditional drums and ‘nagadas’. The villagers offered prayers at the ‘baori’ (water source) in Klasiwai and reopened the water body, which had remained buried under debris for the past three years.
Tea and ‘halwa’ were served to the villagers. In a festive atmosphere, they celebrated the occasion by performing the traditional ‘nati’ dance. Around 100 villagers took part in the event.
The villagers expressed gratitude to committee secretary Hem Raj Bhardwaj for his instrumental role in the project’s success and honoured him with a traditional cap and a shawl. The machine operator, who worked under challenging conditions, was also felicitated with a traditional cap and shawl. An emotional Bhardwaj acknowledged the contributions made by numerous villagers.
He said that the work could be completed smoothly within such a short period because the villagers deposited their contributions by May 5 and landowners personally remained present at the workplace throughout the construction process.
The achievement of Sheglidhar village stands as a powerful testament to what communities can accomplish through unity, shared purpose and determination.
