In the wake of his triumphant victory at the Olympics, wrestler Aman Sehrawat has brought global acclaim to his native Birhor village in Jhajjar district. However, this newfound spotlight has also exposed the dire state of infrastructure in the village, which continues to suffer from inadequate road connectivity and unreliable electricity.
Sehrawat, who clinched a bronze medal in wrestling Paris Olympics in 57 kg weight category, has become a source of immense pride for his village. Yet, his family and fellow villagers are calling attention to the harsh realities they face daily. During a recent media visit, a video capturing the heartfelt plea of Aman’s aunt went viral, drawing widespread attention to the village’s plight.
In her emotional appeal, Aman’s aunt Shakuntla highlighted the severe lack of basic amenities. “Aman’s victory is a moment of pride for us all. His journey was fraught with difficulties, and despite his success, our village remains in dire need of essential services,” she said. Her comments reflect a broader sentiment among the villagers who are grappling with substandard living conditions.
His aunt’s plea was straightforward: “We are asking the government to address our urgent needs. Our village is plagued by irregular electricity and poor road conditions. For instance, Aman’s younger brother Amit struggles to attend his academy because the roads are impassable during the rains,” she explained.
Aman’s early life was marked by hardship; he lost his parents at a young age and was raised by his extended family in a modest dwelling. The house, situated in the fields, is devoid of proper road access, making basic tasks and transportation a significant challenge.
The Congress party has swiftly seized the opportunity to critique the BJP government’s performance in rural development.
Congress leaders have criticized the current administration for its failure to address the infrastructural deficiencies in rural areas, using Aman Sehrawat’s story to highlight broader issues of neglect.
The local issues in Aman’s residence in Birhor village—lack of reliable electricity, inadequate road infrastructure, and poor transportation—are emblematic of broader challenges facing rural India. Despite its remote location, the village’s spotlight due to Sehrawat’s success has amplified these concerns, compelling a reassessment of the government’s rural development policies.
Meanwhile, Aman was given a promotion by the Northern Railways on Thursday. The 21-year-old wrestler was promoted to the post of officer on special duty (OSD). With this, he became the youngest Indian to win an Olympic medal.
The video sparks the debate on social media raising a call for immediate government intervention in improving basic amenities for rural areas like Birhor becomes increasingly urgent. The hope is that the attention generated by Aman’s achievements will catalyze much-needed change, ensuring that the infrastructure challenges faced by his village are addressed promptly.
