“Small acts, when multiplied by millions of people, can transform the world.”
These words of the late Nelson Mandela ring true in the story of Sheshandeep Kaur Sidhu, a young woman who, with a simple nameplate, dared to challenge centuries of tradition in her rural village.
Placed in the heart of Bathinda, Punjab, Manak Khana houses a community that had long been resistant to change. The village exudes a rural charm, with women often confined to domestic duties and men involved in public work. It’s a place where women were often confined to domestic roles, their contributions overlooked and unrecognised.
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But little did Manak Khana know that in 2019, a 22-year-old woman would step forward to redefine the village’s future. Becoming the first woman in her village to hold the position of Sarpanch, Sheshandeep would soon take up initiatives that would in Manak Khana.
Born and raised in a family that strongly valued education and hard work, Sheshandeep always had big aspirations. She pursued her education in Delhi, aiming to . However, after a setback in her first attempt in 2018, she returned to her village, Manak Khana, to regroup and prepare for the next challenge. Fate, though, had a different plan.
Unexpectedly, Sheshandeep was approached to take on the significant role of Sarpanch. In a village where women were traditionally marginalised from positions of power, this was a groundbreaking opportunity.
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Sheshandeep Kaur Sidhu became the Sarpanch of Manak Khana when she was 22
“I had no idea what being a sarpanch entailed at first. I was quite confused and uncertain about where to begin, but I knew this was an opportunity to make a difference,” Sheshandeep, now 28, tells The Better India.
Having witnessed the in Delhi, where they led fulfilling lives, earned livelihoods, and carved their own identities, Sheshandeep aspired to bring this transformation to her village.
“I wished to create a space where women could not only feel empowered but also lead with dignity. I wanted to inspire them to pursue their aspirations, to help them find their voices,” she says.
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Sheshandeep’s first few months as Sarpanch were a steep learning curve. With no prior experience in governance, she turned to the seasoned members of her village’s panchayat for guidance. Panchayat Secretary Paramjit Singh Bhullar emerged as an invaluable mentor, teaching her the intricacies of her role and inspiring her with his dedication and integrity.
“He taught me everything about my duties and responsibilities as a Sarpanch. His commitment and honesty inspired me every day,” she acknowledges.
However, the villagers were initially sceptical. The idea of a young woman leading their village was unfamiliar, and doubts about her ability to effect change quickly arose. When she proposed her first initiative — the construction of a library — many were in disagreement. They argued for more tangible improvements, like better roads, dismissing the library as unnecessary. “Some even joked, ‘She’s gone mad, what could a library possibly do for our village’,” Sheshandeep recalls.
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The library, a bold initiative, was more than just a building; it was a symbol of hope and . Equipped with CCTV cameras for security and stocked with books in Hindi, Punjabi, and English, the library catered to all age groups.
The library in Manak Khana is named the Amrita Pritam Yaadgari Library
“Libraries play a crucial role in education,” Sheshandeep affirms. “When the villagers saw the library, they realised I was thinking beyond mere roads and infrastructure. I wanted to broaden their horizons and equip them with the tools for self-improvement.”
Soon after, Sheshandeep launched another transformative initiative: a park designed specifically for women and children. In a village where domestic chores often left little time for personal respite, the park became a sanctuary for relaxation and recreation. Women were able to step out of their homes, connect with others, and enjoy quality time away from the demands of domestic life.
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“Before this park, there was no place for women to relax. They were confined to their homes, constantly caught up in the cycle of housework. Now, they have a place where they can breathe and talk freely,” Sheshandeep smiles.
Traditionally, doorplates in Manak Khana were reserved for male household heads. But Sheshandeep initiated a project to introduce nameplates bearing women’s names on village homes — a simple idea with profound implications.
Sheshandeep introduced the nameplate project for women to give them the recognition they deserved for their contribution to their families
“Women have long been denied recognition for their contributions,” she explains. “They manage households, raise children, and contribute to their , yet their efforts often go unnoticed. By placing women’s names on doorplates, I wanted to give them the recognition and dignity they deserve.”
With the support of Paramjit Singh Bhullar and a few other women in the Panchayat, Sheshandeep executed her plan. “I was confident that I had the support of my team, and with the available funds, we could bring my plan to life. The idea of adding nameplates for women was within our budget. So, we swiftly moved forward, using the resources already allocated to the village.”
With around 110 households in the village, Sheshandeep’s initiative saw the nameplates of women proudly displayed on every door in the village. The results were immediate and impactful. “I remember one young woman who came to me, with tears in her eyes, thanking me for this initiative. She said she had never been allowed to leave her home or make decisions for herself. But now, when she saw her name on the doorplate, she felt proud and recognised,” Sheshandeep recalls.
The ripples of change were felt across the village. “In my family, no one objected to the nameplate. I am proud that my name is recognised alongside the men’s. It shows that we are equal,” says Rani Kaur, a 42-year-old woman from Manak Khana.
“It’s incredible to see the change in the mindset of the younger generation. They see women leading, and they aspire to be like them,” Paramjit Singh Bhullar, who played a crucial role in bringing to life the initiative, says. “It was a small step, but it made a huge difference. For generations, our society had only recognised men. Sheshandeep’s vision was fresh, and it they had always deserved.”
Even after her term as Sarpanch ended in March 2024, Sheshandeep continued to work towards the betterment of women in her village. She is now leading a project with ‘Read India’, an initiative that teaches skills like stitching and computer literacy to marginalised women in the area.
“I want to ensure that women who wish to work can do so, and they can earn independently. It’s important to me that women have the skills they need to succeed in the workforce,” she says.
Sheshandeep wants women in her village to work and earn independently
“I believe men and women are equal, and I’ve come to believe it even more because of my daughter. The nameplates are a symbol of the respect women deserve. It inspires them to believe in themselves and achieve their goals,” says Rupinder Kaur, Sheshandeep’s proud mother.
Looking ahead, Sheshandeep plans to continue empowering women and inspiring future generations. “This is just the beginning. I want to see women in my village and beyond pursuing careers, achieving their dreams, and being recognised for their work,” she says with determination.
As the ripples of change continue to spread, the nameplates in Manak Khana stand as a symbol, inspiring future generations to break barriers and strive for equality.
Edited by Arunava Banerjee; All photos courtesy Sheshandeep Kaur
These words of the late Nelson Mandela ring true in the story of Sheshandeep Kaur Sidhu, a young woman who, with a simple nameplate, dared to challenge centuries of tradition in her rural village.
Placed in the heart of Bathinda, Punjab, Manak Khana houses a community that had long been resistant to change. The village exudes a rural charm, with women often confined to domestic duties and men involved in public work. It’s a place where women were often confined to domestic roles, their contributions overlooked and unrecognised.
Advertisement
But little did Manak Khana know that in 2019, a 22-year-old woman would step forward to redefine the village’s future. Becoming the first woman in her village to hold the position of Sarpanch, Sheshandeep would soon take up initiatives that would in Manak Khana.
‘An opportunity to make a difference’
Born and raised in a family that strongly valued education and hard work, Sheshandeep always had big aspirations. She pursued her education in Delhi, aiming to . However, after a setback in her first attempt in 2018, she returned to her village, Manak Khana, to regroup and prepare for the next challenge. Fate, though, had a different plan.
Unexpectedly, Sheshandeep was approached to take on the significant role of Sarpanch. In a village where women were traditionally marginalised from positions of power, this was a groundbreaking opportunity.
Advertisement
Sheshandeep Kaur Sidhu became the Sarpanch of Manak Khana when she was 22
“I had no idea what being a sarpanch entailed at first. I was quite confused and uncertain about where to begin, but I knew this was an opportunity to make a difference,” Sheshandeep, now 28, tells The Better India.
Having witnessed the in Delhi, where they led fulfilling lives, earned livelihoods, and carved their own identities, Sheshandeep aspired to bring this transformation to her village.
“I wished to create a space where women could not only feel empowered but also lead with dignity. I wanted to inspire them to pursue their aspirations, to help them find their voices,” she says.
Advertisement
Sheshandeep’s first few months as Sarpanch were a steep learning curve. With no prior experience in governance, she turned to the seasoned members of her village’s panchayat for guidance. Panchayat Secretary Paramjit Singh Bhullar emerged as an invaluable mentor, teaching her the intricacies of her role and inspiring her with his dedication and integrity.
“He taught me everything about my duties and responsibilities as a Sarpanch. His commitment and honesty inspired me every day,” she acknowledges.
However, the villagers were initially sceptical. The idea of a young woman leading their village was unfamiliar, and doubts about her ability to effect change quickly arose. When she proposed her first initiative — the construction of a library — many were in disagreement. They argued for more tangible improvements, like better roads, dismissing the library as unnecessary. “Some even joked, ‘She’s gone mad, what could a library possibly do for our village’,” Sheshandeep recalls.
Advertisement
The library, a bold initiative, was more than just a building; it was a symbol of hope and . Equipped with CCTV cameras for security and stocked with books in Hindi, Punjabi, and English, the library catered to all age groups.
The library in Manak Khana is named the Amrita Pritam Yaadgari Library
“Libraries play a crucial role in education,” Sheshandeep affirms. “When the villagers saw the library, they realised I was thinking beyond mere roads and infrastructure. I wanted to broaden their horizons and equip them with the tools for self-improvement.”
Soon after, Sheshandeep launched another transformative initiative: a park designed specifically for women and children. In a village where domestic chores often left little time for personal respite, the park became a sanctuary for relaxation and recreation. Women were able to step out of their homes, connect with others, and enjoy quality time away from the demands of domestic life.
Advertisement
“Before this park, there was no place for women to relax. They were confined to their homes, constantly caught up in the cycle of housework. Now, they have a place where they can breathe and talk freely,” Sheshandeep smiles.
Power in a nameplate
Traditionally, doorplates in Manak Khana were reserved for male household heads. But Sheshandeep initiated a project to introduce nameplates bearing women’s names on village homes — a simple idea with profound implications.
Sheshandeep introduced the nameplate project for women to give them the recognition they deserved for their contribution to their families
“Women have long been denied recognition for their contributions,” she explains. “They manage households, raise children, and contribute to their , yet their efforts often go unnoticed. By placing women’s names on doorplates, I wanted to give them the recognition and dignity they deserve.”
With the support of Paramjit Singh Bhullar and a few other women in the Panchayat, Sheshandeep executed her plan. “I was confident that I had the support of my team, and with the available funds, we could bring my plan to life. The idea of adding nameplates for women was within our budget. So, we swiftly moved forward, using the resources already allocated to the village.”
With around 110 households in the village, Sheshandeep’s initiative saw the nameplates of women proudly displayed on every door in the village. The results were immediate and impactful. “I remember one young woman who came to me, with tears in her eyes, thanking me for this initiative. She said she had never been allowed to leave her home or make decisions for herself. But now, when she saw her name on the doorplate, she felt proud and recognised,” Sheshandeep recalls.
The ripples of change were felt across the village. “In my family, no one objected to the nameplate. I am proud that my name is recognised alongside the men’s. It shows that we are equal,” says Rani Kaur, a 42-year-old woman from Manak Khana.
“It’s incredible to see the change in the mindset of the younger generation. They see women leading, and they aspire to be like them,” Paramjit Singh Bhullar, who played a crucial role in bringing to life the initiative, says. “It was a small step, but it made a huge difference. For generations, our society had only recognised men. Sheshandeep’s vision was fresh, and it they had always deserved.”
A new phase, a shared vision
Even after her term as Sarpanch ended in March 2024, Sheshandeep continued to work towards the betterment of women in her village. She is now leading a project with ‘Read India’, an initiative that teaches skills like stitching and computer literacy to marginalised women in the area.
“I want to ensure that women who wish to work can do so, and they can earn independently. It’s important to me that women have the skills they need to succeed in the workforce,” she says.
Sheshandeep wants women in her village to work and earn independently
“I believe men and women are equal, and I’ve come to believe it even more because of my daughter. The nameplates are a symbol of the respect women deserve. It inspires them to believe in themselves and achieve their goals,” says Rupinder Kaur, Sheshandeep’s proud mother.
Looking ahead, Sheshandeep plans to continue empowering women and inspiring future generations. “This is just the beginning. I want to see women in my village and beyond pursuing careers, achieving their dreams, and being recognised for their work,” she says with determination.
As the ripples of change continue to spread, the nameplates in Manak Khana stand as a symbol, inspiring future generations to break barriers and strive for equality.
Edited by Arunava Banerjee; All photos courtesy Sheshandeep Kaur