“Village Day: Reviving the Soul of Rural India”
India, a nation deeply rooted in its villages, carries a legacy where rural life represents the essence of its identity. From the time of independence, when the country was home to approximately 5 lakh villages, to 2021, when this number has declined to around 6 lakh, the changing rural landscape poses a significant challenge. In Odisha alone, the number of villages has dropped from 51,349 in 2011 to 51,313 today. This gradual decline not only raises questions about rural development but also emphasizes the urgent need to preserve the cultural, social, and economic fabric of our villages.
Recognizing this need, the concept of Village Day emerges as a beacon of hope—a day dedicated to celebrating and revitalizing the spirit of India’s villages. This initiative not only seeks to preserve rural traditions but also aims to address the pressing challenges that threaten the existence and prosperity of villages..
The Village Crisis
Mahatma Gandhi once said, “India lives in her villages,” and his vision of Gram Swaraj (village self-governance) continues to resonate. Villages have historically been the backbone of India’s development, housing artisans, farmers, and communities that drive the nation forward. However, modern realities paint a starkly different picture.
Villages today face numerous challenges:
Migration: Educated youth and families are leaving villages in search of better employment opportunities in urban areas.
Neglect: Over time, traditional homes have fallen apart, neighborhoods have been disrupted, and cultural heritage has been eroded..
Cultural Crisis: The vibrant art forms, folk traditions, and communal spirit that once defined rural life are fading into obscurity..
The pandemic offered a moment of reckoning, with people returning to their villages and reconnecting with their roots. It was during such a reflective period in January 2021 that Shri Basudeb Malabishoi, a former state project coordinator, envisioned the idea of Village Day. His time in Gundariguda village in the Rayagada district of Odisha inspired a movement to rekindle the pride and unity of village life..
The Vision of Village Day
Village Day is more than a celebration—it is a call to action to revive and strengthen the rural heartbeat of the nation. The idea is simple yet profound: dedicate one day each year to honoring villages, their culture, and their people. Through this initiative, the focus shifts to:
Reviving the traditional art forms like Pochi, Pala, Dasakathia, and Sankirtan.
Encouraging community participation through sports competitions, song contests, and storytelling events.
Inspiring those who have left their villages to return, reconnect, and contribute to their roots..
Objectives of the Campaign
Government Recognition:
Advocate for the Odisha government to declare an official Village Day..
Introduce the celebration across all villages, panchayats, blocks, and districts.
Cultural Revival:
Preserve the rich heritage of rural art, traditions, and communal living..
Select a Village Day Ambassador annually to honor contributions to village development..
Community Engagement:
Strengthen the bonds of brotherhood and encourage collective pride in rural culture..
State and National Impact:
Launch the first state-level celebration under the leadership of the Chief Minister.
Establish Odisha as a pioneer in rural cultural preservation and advocate for a national Village Day..
A Day to Celebrate the Soul of the Village
On Village Day, the rural heart of India will come alive with celebrations. Songs and dances will fill the air, folk artists will perform their age-old crafts, and children will participate in games and competitions that bring the community together. Families who have moved away will return, reconnecting with the roots they left behind. The day will be a tribute to the stories, pride, and cultural essence that make every village unique.
The Road Ahead
While the COVID-19 pandemic delayed the progress of the Village Day campaign, the time is now ripe to reignite this initiative. With the support of government officials, NGOs, artists, and villagers, the dream of Village Day can soon become a reality.
Villages are not just geographic entities; they are living symbols of India’s heritage, resilience, and potential. Celebrating Village Day is a step toward preserving this heritage, fostering pride, and ensuring that the fragrance of village soil continues to inspire generations to come.
As Shri Malabishoi’s vision gains momentum, it carries with it the hope of a brighter, more connected future for rural India—one where the soul of the nation truly thrives.
By
C B Singh
Bureau chief
Southern Odisha
