The people of Jodatalaab and Ghoghadbara villages in the Gourela Pendra Marwahi district of Chhattisgarh have demonstrated remarkable resilience and community spirit, reminiscent of the ‘Mountain Man’ Dashrath Manjhi, by constructing a new road through a mountain. This act of self-reliance was triggered by the Forest Department’s closure of the original village path for plantation purposes and the subsequent provision of a difficult alternative. The new road made it impossible for ambulances and school buses to travel, unlike the old one. The villagers’ determination was solidified by a recent tragedy where a child from Ghoghadbara passed away and the ambulance carrying her body was unable to traverse the difficult terrain. Approximately 30 to 40 villagers took it upon themselves to build a new road, using their own resources and labor to create a safe and accessible passage. They worked with hand tools, showing incredible dedication. This road-building project was undertaken without any external support. The shared experience of cutting through rocks and clearing the earth brought villagers of all ages together. The villagers’ efforts highlight the realities of rural India, where development often requires people to take significant risks to ensure their basic needs are met, reflecting a commitment to their community and its future. The villagers experienced significant difficulties and hardships after the original path was closed.
