Gandhinagar, Aug 1 (IANS) Gujarat Governor Acharya Devvrat on Saturday said that the true value of public office lies not in the designation itself but in the contribution made to society while holding it, urging sarpanches to work with sacrifice and determination to transform their villages into model communities.
Addressing the first national workshop of the Bharat AI Panchayat Mission at Lok Bhavan in Gandhinagar, organised by the Ghar AI Nanhi Pari Foundation, the Governor said village leaders had been entrusted with an invaluable responsibility.
“More important than a designation or position is what contribution we make to society while holding that position,” he said.
Referring to figures such as Lord Shri Ram, Lord Shri Krishna, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, Mahatma Gandhi, and Bhagat Singh, he said they continue to be remembered for their exemplary deeds and urged sarpanches to leave a similar legacy through public service.
The Governor also praised the work of Ghar AI Nanhi Pari Foundation founder Dr Abha Patel, saying that “leaving a prestigious position to work for the protection, education and welfare of girls in villages across the country was a significant service”.
He noted that girls today are excelling across sectors and bringing recognition to the country by winning a large number of gold medals at universities.
Speaking on agriculture and public health, Devvrat expressed concern over the long-term effects of chemical farming.
Citing research by 12 agricultural scientists, he said: “Around 45 per cent of the nutrients in wheat and rice produced in the country had been lost because of chemical farming, while harmful substances such as arsenic had entered food crops.”
He said nitrous oxide released from urea is 312 times more harmful than carbon dioxide and contributes significantly to environmental pollution.
According to the Governor, excessive use of chemical fertilisers has also raised nitrate levels in groundwater to the extent that it is no longer fit for drinking.
Describing natural farming as India’s traditional agricultural system based on indigenous cows and native earthworms, he said: “It improves groundwater recharge by increasing earthworm activity, enhances the organic carbon content of soil, raises productivity and reduces cultivation costs to nearly zero.”
Referring to the National Mission on Natural Farming launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, he appealed to sarpanches to begin adopting natural farming within their own families before expanding it across their villages.
Panchayati Raj Minister Rushikesh Patel said the Prime Minister had transformed the role of panchayats through technology, adding that “all 14,231 gram panchayats in Gujarat had been connected through the e-Gram Vishwagram initiative”.
He urged sarpanches to construct small check dams and drainage channels to maximise rainwater recharge and to hold discussions on natural farming during gram sabhas.
The Minister said the state government provides financial assistance of Rs 900 per month to farmers for rearing indigenous cows.
“Natural farming prevents land from becoming barren, saves foreign exchange and will ensure a healthy future for the next generation,” he said.
During the workshop, the Governor administered a pledge on natural farming and empowered panchayats.
Three sarpanches were honoured with the AI Ambassador Award and presented with tablets for their outstanding work.
–IANS
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