• Utthan Team
• 0 Comments

From Silence to Stewardship: The Timeless Journey of Samjuben as a Farmer and Leader

In the quiet village of Kuda, nestled in Gujarat’s Bhavnagar district, lived Gohil Samjuben Pragjibhai, a woman whose story began at the edges of community life, but whose journey would come to echo through fields, homes, and hearts. At 55, Samjuben had spent most of her life away from public affairs. Her voice was seldom heard in village meetings, her days filled with household duties and quiet labour. Yet within her lay a resilience waiting to be awakened. That turning point came when she joined Utthan’s Women’s Federation and the Village Development Committee (VDC). These spaces welcomed her without judgment. For the first time, she found herself among women who asked questions, made decisions, and stood together. From here, her transformation began, not suddenly, but steadily, like the change of seasons.

 

Through Utthan, Samjuben was introduced to the principles of sustainable agriculture. She underwent hands-on training in agroecological practices: soil health management, crop rotation, preparation and use of Jeevamrut, and water conservation techniques. With each new practice she adopted, her land responded, and so did her confidence. She wasn’t just improving her yields; she was reclaiming agency. Recognising her dedication and potential to inspire others, Utthan selected her for advanced training as a Master Farmer. She embraced this responsibility, mentoring over 45 women farmers in her village. Her training was practical and grounded, drawn from her own journey, showing women how to manage Kharif and Rabi crops through climate-resilient, low-cost methods. But Samjuben’s influence didn’t stop at farming. She helped women access their entitlements, guiding them through processes like enrolling for the E-Shram card, which offers informal workers access to social security. She patiently supported them through applications, often accompanying them to government offices, places that had once seemed out of reach.

 

What makes Samjuben’s journey timeless is not only her transformation but the ripple of change she has set in motion. Once hesitant and reserved, she now speaks with confidence and conviction in village meetings, raising concerns that matter deeply to women and smallholder farmers. Today, she does not lead from a podium but walks alongside her peers, listening, guiding, and nurturing collective strength. Her story is a quiet revolution, reminding us that true leadership is not bestowed from above, but cultivated from within communities. When women are equipped with knowledge, anchored in solidarity, and trusted to lead, they become powerful catalysts for change. Samjuben’s path affirms that sustainable agriculture is not just about regenerating the soil, it is equally about restoring the dignity of those who care for it.