Farmer Of Significance

Raghupati looked at the falling sun's rays and decided to call it a day. From early morning just after day break he was working in the fields. The fields left behind by his father. His brothers had left them for Raghupati as they did not see any future in farming. His two elder brothers had migrated to the cities with their families in search of life and livelihood. Raghupati, despite being the most educated of all his brothers had no other option but to plough his fields and sow crops. Because someone had to take up the responsibility to continue with the family job. So Raghupati became a farmer due to compulsion and not by choice. 

But Raghupati found the farmer's life as a thankless boring job. The income he could generate was barely enough to sustain him and his wife Sudha. His wife Sudha was however happy with their present situation. Raghupati was lucky to have such an understanding wife. But, Raghupati was ambitious and knew if he had to be a farmer then he would be a farmer of Significance. So he knew that if wanted to be of some significance then he would have to think outside his farm. 

The panchayat elections were round the corner. Nominations were being filed in the election commission office to contest the elections. Raghupati knew if he could become a panchayat member then he could influence the development of his village. Raghupati knew that though politics was a murky game but then to make a positive change in the society one had to join politics. Because politics controls the society and gives direction to it. Which way the society should move, how the education should grow and how the resources should be utilised for the benefit of mankind was all controlled by politics. 

Raghupati was a fast learner and he soon became adept in the wily game of politics. The seniors in his party were convinced with his credentials and were willing to make him a candidate. He filed his nomination and began canvassing for his election. In due course of time he was elected and took up his assignment as a Panchayat member. 

Raghupati found himself faced with a humongous task. Lot of challenges lay ahead. It seemed his predecessors had done nothing. Managing public funds, he found was most difficult because of the temptation which went with big money. His predecessors had fallen in the trap of greed and were spending time behind bars or attending to numerous court summons. 

The initial part of his tenure proved to be highly productive and rewarding. Raghupati had established himself as a worthy administrator. Rapid development was taking place in his village.

Unfortunately, the latter part of his rule was mired in controversy bordering on scandal. Much of his time was spent in proving his innocence. Greater part of his energy was involved in court attendance and appearing before investigating agencies interrogation. 

However all these investigation did not dent his popularity any bit and he was reelected again with a bigger margin this time.

Raghupati had become a worthy administrator and his good work was the talk of all conversation.

Making public appearances and giving speeches was now the main occupation of Raghupati. The people lapped up his speeches gleefully and much enthusiasm. People from far and near came to hear him speak.

On one such stage appearance he met with a serious accident. The stage fell down and Raghupati came under the debris. With serious head injury he was admitted in hospital for many months.

Unfortunately that brought an end to his growing career. But people remembered him. The administration erected a statue in his honor with a plaque bearing his name and a catchy compliment "Farmer of Significance".