Rural India

This famous observation made by Mahatma Gandhi many years ago is still valid. The rural population comprises the core of Indian society and represents the genuine India. When I travel to the countryside, the villages and people in those villages mesmerize me. The whimsical beauty of rural India is outstanding. The actual grace of India as a travel destination lies in untouched rural locations all over the country, blessed with unmatched natural beauty: a photographer’s paradise!

There are 600.000 villages in India where 70% of the total population still lives. This enormous population contributes more than 50% of the nation’s GDP. The villages are the souls of our country. In the villages, it is common for children to continue the family tradition of working as farmers in the agricultural sector. Sadly, farmers are the most undervalued people in our society. Their work is strenuous and, in most cases, without any modern machines, for long days before sunrise and long after dusk. They toil in the scorching heat and the rain. The most challenging aspect of a farmer’s life is that it mostly depends on climatic conditions. Also, one of the other ways of earning a living in the villages is by housing cattle like cows, sheep, goats, and poultry.

Life in rural India is hard. Scarcity reigns supreme in rural India, needing more electricity, good connecting roadways, transportation, and unreliable homes built with mud or clay. Additionally, proper healthcare facilities make life easier. Furthermore, children need more support as they are deprived of primary education, which limits their career opportunities. In some parts of the country, children from nearby villages attend only one primary school. Even gaining primary education is very difficult because the parents are not very keen to send their children, especially girls and want them to join them in the fields to earn some extra money for their livelihood; therefore, girls are held back from attending school as they are required to support their mothers in household chores. Awareness about the significance of primary and secondary education in villages is essential, as it opens up various career opportunities for both genders. 

Despite the hardship, the villages of India are a traditional environment with touching hospitality! The wonderful smiling people that you encounter are incredibly welcoming, and the villagers offer to share the little they have. The earthy way of life, the rural homestay, the vibrant culture, and the huge open fields with lush greenery are just so pleasurable and stupefying! 

Rural India is becoming the driver of the economy today, and its role is of utmost importance. Improving the quality of life and economic well-being of people living in rural areas, often relatively isolated and sparsely populated, is vital. The rural economy needs to grow for the country’s economy to be strong. The subcontinent is predominately agricultural, and farming is its main occupation. India once depended on food imports to feed its population. Fortunately, Things have changed, and today, it is self-sufficient in grain production and has a substantial reserve. The progress made by agriculture in the last four decades has been one of the biggest success stories of independent India. The development of the rural economy is one of the most critical factors for its growth, based mainly on agriculture, as it accounts for nearly one-fifth of the gross domestic product. 

Rural development must be geared towards improving the quality of life of the people in the villages by reducing poverty by providing self-employment and wage employment programs, providing drinking water, electricity, highway connectivity, health, housing, and education facilities to rural residents, strengthening Panchayati raj institutions, and strengthening community infrastructure. 

It is inspiring to see how villagers enjoy getting together, living like a close-knit family, and helping each other in adversities. This sense of community and belonging is greatly valued, and the Indian culture is very much intact; as a community, they celebrate with folk music, dance, and songs. All festivals are celebrated with great zeal, especially the harvest season. Undoubtedly, the vibrant heritage of India’s culture and traditions can be best experienced at unexplored rural destinations. The country should take pride in its rich culture and traditions.

The rural economy needs to grow for India’s economy to be strong. Rural India must overcome poverty and underdevelopment, as it has the most crucial role in its growth. The rural population is the backbone of India, and its development is vital for the country’s growth. The villages in India comprise 70% of the total population and contribute more than 50% of the nation’s GDP. However, the rural population faces several challenges, including poverty, lack of infrastructure, and limited access to education and healthcare facilities. Therefore, it is imperative to provide self-employment and wage employment programs, drinking water, electricity, highway connectivity, health, housing, and education facilities to rural residents and strengthen Panchayati raj institutions and community infrastructure. The Indian culture and traditions are rich, and rural India is the best place to experience them. Hence, it is crucial to preserve and celebrate them. If rural India is poor, India is poor. Therefore, we must prioritize rural India’s development to ensure the country’s growth.  

If rural India is poor, India is poor.