Reconnecting With Roots: Union Minister Savitri Thakur Joins Farmers In Paddy Harvest

Bhubaneswar, Nov 9: In a memorable display of solidarity, Union Minister of State for Women and Child Development, Savitri Thakur, on Friday took a break from her schedule to join farmers in a paddy field along the roadside in Odisha’s Nabarangpur district.

Hailing from a farming family herself, Thakur was drawn to the familiar sight of farmers working in the fields as she traveled through Dulpur village in the Papdahandi block. The scene struck a chord, prompting her to pause her journey between Kalahandi and Nabarangpur and step into the field.

With a borrowed sickle in hand, Thakur joined the farmers in reaping the paddy, instantly connecting with them through her warm demeanor and shared background in agriculture. Her presence brought smiles and comfort to the farmers, as they experienced a moment of camaraderie with the minister.

During her time in the field, Thakur engaged in heartfelt conversations with the farmers, asking about their lives and whether they were benefitting from government initiatives such as the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Nidhi Yojana and the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana. She also inquired about the minimum support price, expressing a sincere interest in their economic wellbeing and the sustainability of their livelihoods.

Thakur’s understanding of agricultural challenges runs deep. Growing up in a farming family in Madhya Pradesh, she has a personal connection to the struggles and aspirations of rural communities.

The gathering also included Nabarangpur District Collector Dr. Shubhakar Mohapatra, Chief Development Officer Biranchi Narayan Darwan, and other local officials, who witnessed Thakur’s impactful outreach and the positive response it generated.

At 46, Thakur is a prominent tribal leader in Madhya Pradesh and a respected figure in the BJP. She began her journey in public service in 2003 as a district panchayat member, eventually rising to leadership roles at both the state and national levels. In 2014, she won her first seat in the Lok Sabha, and her recent 2024 election victory, in which she defeated Congress candidate Radheshyam Muvel by a remarkable margin of 2.18 lakh votes, further solidified her influence.