Gen-Z ‘Pradhans’ in Uttarakhand challenge patriarchy, fight migration, and bring new hope to villages
A new generation of young pradhans, many of them women, are reshaping Uttarakhand's villages. Armed with education and smartphones, these Gen-Z leaders are breaking stereotypes, rejecting the "pradhan-pati" model, and working to stop migration by creating opportunities within their communities.
Dehradun: For decades, the story of Uttarakhand’s villages was one of departure. Young people studied, packed their bags, and left for cities in search of jobs, money, and opportunities. The hills seemed unable to offer them a future.
This summer, however, a new story began to unfold. When the results of Uttarakhand’s latest panchayat elections were declared, a striking pattern emerged. Across hill districts, first-time pradhans barely in their twenties, many of them women, had won seats long dominated by older men.
Not having political backgrounds but armed with technology
These Gen-Z pradhans are not armed with political family backgrounds but with college degrees, smartphones, and a strong sense of belonging. Unlike their peers who migrate, they chose to stay back and lead their communities.
Dismantling ‘Pradhan-Pati’ model
Just months into office, they are confronting two entrenched realities of the Himalayas: outmigration and patriarchy. They are also dismantling another familiar feature of village politics — the "pradhan-pati” model, where husbands often controlled power behind the scenes. For these young leaders, the panchayat is not a stepping stone to fame or influence. It is a deliberate return home, and an attempt to make that return meaningful for others.
Many preferred to do something for villages
At 22, Sakshi Rawat’s journey reflects this change. With a biotechnology degree in hand, she could have been working in a lab in Dehradun. Instead, three months after graduating, she returned to Kui village in Pauri Garhwal and contested the pradhan’s seat.
Watching friends leave for private-sector jobs was not easy, she admits. "Most youngsters leave their villages after studying. I want them to stay, to build something of their own here,” Sakshi said. Inspired by grassroots innovators like Pawan Bisht from nearby Maroda village, who returned to pursue advanced farming, she believes Uttarakhand’s revival must be youth-led.
"Our biggest challenge isn’t geography or funds but mindset,” she explained. "People still think success lies outside the village. Real change will come when results at home become visible.”
Priyanka Negi: From Mathematics to Governance
Priyanka Negi is only 21 years old and the village head of Sarkot in Chamoli district. She once dreamed of becoming a mathematician. Her father had been the village head twice, and when Priyanka went with him to block meetings, she understood that real "math” is in governance. Her main focus is road connectivity. Priyanka says that if roads are good, half the problems of the mountains will be solved automatically.
Leadership and Motherhood Together: Deeksha Mandoli
Deeksha Mandoli is the head of Gulari village in Chamoli. She is just 22 years old. She got married at 20 and became a mother at 21, but still took up leadership. Deeksha has an English degree. She feels that drug addiction among youth is a big problem. She says clearly, "Now people talk to us directly. There is no need for a ‘headman-husband.’”
Small Village, Big Thinking: Kiran Negi
Kiran Negi is the head of Chari village in Chamoli, which has about 250 voters. She is the youngest head in her block. Kiran says, "The village is small, but the problems are big — water, roads, everything.” She is making decisions on her own, without any male representatives, showing that leadership is not only for cities.
Presence of young women leaders is especially significant
This new generation of pradhans is committed to revitalizing their communities. They are focusing on local issues such as farming, education, health, and small-scale employment. Their goal is to create opportunities that encourage others to stay, rather than migrate.
The presence of young women leaders is especially significant. By breaking stereotypes and challenging patriarchy, they are showing that leadership in villages can be inclusive and modern. Their use of technology and education is helping them connect with people and solve problems in new ways.