Archive · 12 Jan 2026
National Youth Day 2026: Rural Women Lead Change
On National Youth Day 2026, we celebrate the stories of three brave young women from rural India who have become leaders in their communities.
Sarita Bhuriya, Nirmala, and Reshma Ninama have overcome many challenges to help others and make their villages better places.
Sarita started by joining a Self Help Group and now runs a Common Service Centre, helping people with banking services.
Nirmala, who faced domestic violence, became a coordinator to help other women in similar situations.
Reshma, known for her kindness, became the village head and worked to improve health services and women's rights.
Their stories show that leadership is not about having a title, but about caring for others and making a difference.
Rural youth in India, especially women, face significant challenges and are often excluded from economic growth opportunities.
Three young women - Sarita Bhuriya, Nirmala, and Reshma Ninama - have emerged as leaders in their rural communities.
Sarita Bhuriya joined a Self Help Group, became a Business Correspondent Sakhi, and now runs a Common Service Centre.
Nirmala, after facing domestic violence, became the Coordinator of the Lok Adhikar Kendra to help other women.
Reshma Ninama, known for her acts of kindness, became the Sarpanch of her village and prioritized health services and women's rights.
- Who
- Three young women - Sarita Bhuriya, Nirmala, and Reshma Ninama - from rural India
- What
- Their stories of leadership and empowerment in their communities
- When
- National Youth Day 2026
- Where
- Rural areas of Madhya Pradesh, India
- Why
- To highlight the challenges and achievements of rural youth, especially women, in transforming their communities
- Rural Youth Population
- 378 million
- Rural Youth Contribution to GDP
- 46%
- Sarita Bhuriya's Annual Income
- Rs 1.5 lakh
- Nirmala's Role
- Coordinator of Lok Adhikar Kendra
- Reshma Ninama's Position
- Sarpanch of Asaliya village