A remarkable demonstration of civic duty and commitment to democracy emerged during the panchayat elections in Rajasthan's Jhunjhunu district, where a 64-year-old woman traveled nearly 950 kilometers purely to cast her vote. Despite having surgical rods fitted in both legs, Savitri Devi refused to let severe mobility challenges keep her away from the ballot box, embarking on an interstate journey in an ambulance to exercise her franchise.
Interstate Ambulance Journey from Vadodara to Badangarh
Savitri Devi, wife of the late Bhagirathmal Sharma, originally hails from Badangarh village in Jhunjhunu. Her family currently operates a business in Gujarat, and she resides in Vadodara with her son, Vinod Sharma. When election schedules were declared and voting day arrived, she insisted on returning to her ancestral village to participate in the local democratic process. Because of surgical rods supporting both her legs, conventional travel across such a long distance by car, bus, or train posed major health and comfort hazards. Recognizing her determination, her family organized an ambulance to ensure she could complete the roughly 950-kilometer trip safely while lying down under supportive conditions.
Family Support and Arrival at the Polling Station
Savitri Devi was accompanied throughout the journey by her son and social worker Vinod Sharma, daughters-in-law Radha Sharma and Anita Sharma, and grandchildren Sachin Sharma, Shivani, and Harsh. Upon completing the extensive drive from Vadodara to Badangarh, she reached the local polling booth and cast her vote in the village panchayat election. Her endeavor drew widespread praise from local residents and election observers alike, highlighting that voting is not merely a privilege but a fundamental citizen responsibility that transcends physical discomfort.
All Six Women Sarpanch Candidates Display Mutual Harmony
The election in Badangarh also stood out for another display of democratic sportsmanship. The post of village Sarpanch was reserved for general category women, featuring six candidates in the electoral contest. While elections often witness intense hostility and bitter rivalry, all six women contenders presented a united front at the polling location, appearing together in mutual dignity and respect. The collective presence of all contesting candidates, coupled with Savitri Devi's determination to travel across states by ambulance, made the Badangarh panchayat election a notable example of grassroots democratic integrity.
