Participation of women in politics and decision making remains below 15% in India, the World Economic Forum released its Global Gender Gap Index of 2024, in June this year. Index placed India at 129th position out of 146 countries evaluated. Though, Parliament of India passed one hundred and sixth constitutional amendment act in 2023, reserving one third of parliamentary and state legislative assembly seats for women, including those reserved for scheduled castes and scheduled tribes. But, questions persist about whether women are willing to actively engage in mainstream politics.
Chanpatia, a town located in West Champaran district, Bihar has found such a dedicated social activist, who is seeking herself while in service of people of Chanpatia, Samiksha Sharma is providing new hope to Indian politics crammed with grave gender inequality. In a society where our women are socialised to make career choices either imposed on them by family or remain educated yet unemployed due to lack of opportunity. But very few in India, despite having a humble family background, choose politics as a profession, where engaging with the public and building a sense of affection with netizens are often associated with masculinity, muscle power and money.
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Samiksha Sharma, is challenging this order set by cultural and societal thought of masses in Champaran, Bihar. Her proclivity towards citizen empowerment and social service can be a promising asset for the Indian political landscape, where despite 75 years of independence our women represent only 10.5% of Members of Parliament in India, as reported by Election Commission of India (ECI) as of October 2021.
Mrs. Sharma has organized various rural health check-up drives and awareness raising campaigns in Champaran, which not only facilitated rural masses but also raised hope among them of getting a dedicated leader.
In a recent conversation with her, she stated that not only for me, but for millions of girls and women, Priyanka gandhi is emerging as an inspiration, she said, ‘Priyanka Gandhi is my cascade of inspiration for social activism,” emphasising on her slogan “Beti hun lad sakti hun” (i am daughter, i can fight) in Uttar Pradesh assembly elections, 2022. “Mrs. Gandhi not only helped me align my path with that of humanity, national service and constitutionality but also strengthen my mandate to challenge male dominated political landscape.” Stating further she described her admiration towards Indira Gandhi, first lady prime minister of our country for her crucial role in India’s participation in the Bangladesh liberation movement.
Over a question about Rahul Gandhi’s vision and leadership, she clearly stated that, Rahul Gandhi is the future of India, his massive Bharat Jodo Yatra encouraged millions of youth to join hands and move toward justice, has laid an indelible mark on youth of this nation. It shows even after political hiccups in recent past Rahul Gandhi revitalised congress and it seems that we are going to create history again, because now India is with him, and admires his dedication towards constitutionalism. Apart from this, her alignment with the political principles of leaders like Mahatma Gandhi and Jawaharlal Nehru underscores her commitment to uphold constitutional values and inclusive governance. These ideals form the foundation of her political philosophy and guide her approach in addressing modern challenges.
While talking about the congress’ future steps and strategy for Bihar, Samiksha said that in leadership of our visionary and progressive state president Dr. Akhilesh Prashad Singh, we are ready to fight. The organisational skills and inclusive approach of the state president is strengthening the party from booth level to state level. Our dedication is to empower youth in Bihar, providing them not only a stable and aspirational life with employment but also putting a break on mass migration of Bihar’s youth.
She has also made it conspicuous the potential that women in remote towns like Chanpatia hold for the Indian economy, where little nudges may unleash these potential. Samiksha Sharma distributed sewing machines in Chanpatia, which not only empowered women but also gave economic independence and equally improved their participation in family decision making.
However, the present political landscape marred by male dominance, muscle power and ad-hocism has left little space for such emerging social activists. For people like Samiksha Sharma, their dedication to reform and empower peoples of such remote underrepresented areas provide special USP, which will not only bridge gender disparity in politics but also nudge others for social activism in Bihar.
