A Force of Nature: The Inspiring Story of Jelki Bai

In the heart of the Udaipur district, in the small village of Koldara, lives an extraordinary woman-Jelki Bai. She's not just a local leader; she's a force of nature, dedicating her life to protecting the environment, empowering women, and improving her community. Her passion and tireless efforts earned her the Umed Mal Lodha Environment Award in 2009, a well-deserved recognition of her incredible impact.

A Journey of Strength and Determination

Jelki Bai's story began in Umbora, Gujarat, where she was born. At just 18, she moved to Koldara after marriage and found herself in a village struggling with poverty, lack of education, and limited access to healthcare. But she wasn't one to accept things as they were. She saw the hardships of the women around her and knew something had to change.

Determined to make a difference, she started organizing women, educating them about their rights, and tackling issues that affected their livelihoods. One of her biggest early victories was securing fair prices for tendu leaf collectors, a major source of income for the village. Thanks to her leadership, a collection center was set up in Koldara, ensuring that villagers received the pay they deserved.

Fighting for Forests, Women, and Equality

Jelki Bai's work didn't stop there. Deforestation was threatening the land, and she took action. When timber smugglers tried to exploit the forests, she and the villagers stood their ground, seizing the stolen wood and ensuring authorities took action. Her bold stance sent a clear message: these forests belong to the people, and they won't be stolen away.

Her leadership caught the eye of Seva Mandir, who invited her to establish and lead a Women's Resource Center (WRC). She took on the challenge, helping women access education, healthcare, and economic opportunities. Jelki Bai also played a major role in setting up a Daal (lentils) mill, improving food security for the village, and worked on a watershed program to stop soil erosion and protect farmland.

Advocating for Women's Rights

Advocating for women's rights hasn't always been easy. When she pushed for pensions for widows, pregnant women, and the disabled, local leaders laughed at her. But she didn't back down. She boldly asked them, "Why are you discriminating? Women gave birth to you all, and that's why you are ruling right now. Everyone is equal, and there should be no discrimination." Her words silenced the opposition-and her proposal was passed.

She also led efforts to bring early childhood education to Koldara, making sure children had access to learning opportunities that were long overdue.

A Legacy That Continues to Grow

Jelki Bai's work has transformed lives in Koldara and beyond. She has helped villagers gain economic independence, protected the environment, and fought for justice. But she knows the journey isn't over. The village still struggles with water shortages, lack of electricity, and sanitation issues. She and her community are now working towards building a creek dam to solve the water crisis, proving once again that she is always thinking about the future.

As she puts it, "If there is no awareness, there are no benefits. And if there are no benefits, there is no development." Her words reflect her unstoppable drive to keep pushing for better opportunities for her people.

Recognizing an Unstoppable Force

In 2009, Seva Mandir and the Umed Mal Lodha Memorial Trust recognized Jelki Bai's incredible work with a cash prize and a certificate of appreciation in the Individual Category. But more than any award, her real achievement is the thriving, empowered community she has built.

Jelki Bai's journey proves that true leadership doesn't come from power-it comes from courage, determination, and an unwavering commitment to making the world a better place. She shows us that grassroots leadership can drive real, lasting change, proving that one person's resolve can transform an entire village. And in Koldara, thanks to her, change is not just a dream-it's a reality.