Essence of Village Life: From Hardship to Hope

Village life has always had its own charm, simplicity and sense of community. However, behind the beauty of rural Kashmir, there were many challenges that people had to face only a decade ago. The difference between villages and cities was clearly visible. Today, with improvements in roads, electricity, drinking water, education and connectivity, many villages are witnessing a remarkable transformation.
Just ten years ago, electricity in many rural areas was so weak that bulbs produced only dim light. It was difficult to see clearly inside a room, even when the electricity was available. Electric poles were rare, and many households depended on temporary and unsafe wiring. Even a few hours of electricity brought immense happiness to villagers.
Road connectivity was another major challenge. Many roads were little more than dusty tracks, full of potholes and uneven surfaces. Even heavy buses moved slowly, shaking badly as they passed over the rough roads. Drivers had to be extremely cautious, particularly on sharp turns and narrow stretches, because poor road conditions increased the risk of accidents.
The shortage of drinking water was equally difficult, especially in the upper reaches. In some places, ten or more households depended on a single water point. Women had to walk long distances to collect water, often carrying heavy containers. During winter, when taps froze, they had no option but to rush to nearby springs to collect drinking water. Water had to be used very carefully, and the lack of adequate facilities often created unhygienic conditions and affected people’s health.
Alhamdulillah, the situation has changed considerably. Today, many remote households have access to improved water facilities. Initiatives such as the Jal Jeevan Mission have helped expand tap-water connections in rural areas. Access to clean drinking water has brought considerable comfort to rural families and has reduced the burden of collecting water from distant sources.
At the same time, implementation needs continuous monitoring. In some areas, residents have raised concerns about poor-quality work, incomplete infrastructure and delays. There have also been complaints about labourers being asked to undertake digging work without proper payment. Such issues should be addressed so that the benefits of public schemes reach the people for whom they are intended.
Road-development programmes, including the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana, along with drainage systems, protection bunds and other infrastructure projects, have also brought significant changes to rural life. Many villages are now connected through better roads, and people can travel more easily for education, healthcare, employment and business. Improved connectivity has also helped rural communities connect with markets and tourist destinations.
Electricity access has similarly improved. However, the rising cost of electricity can still place a burden on economically weaker families. There is a need for appropriate support and relief mechanisms for households that struggle to pay their bills regularly.
These changes made me reflect on the transformation taking place around us and encouraged me to write this article for a newspaper of the Kashmir Valley.
I have always believed that physical fitness and sports can play an important role in shaping young people. When I was in Class 7, I developed an interest in bodybuilding. My aim was to remain healthy and physically active so that I would not feel exhausted or lethargic during school. During my school years, I participated in activities such as scouting, cricket and bodybuilding. These activities taught me discipline, confidence, teamwork and perseverance.
At that time, Srinagar had relatively few gyms, and many of them did not have modern equipment. Nevertheless, young people were passionate about sports and fitness. Many players worked hard with whatever facilities were available and gave priority to maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
Today, gyms have become much more common, even in rural areas. Unfortunately, this positive development exists alongside a serious social challenge: drug abuse. Drug addiction can destroy families and negatively affect the future of young people. The authorities are taking action against drug trafficking, but enforcement alone cannot solve the problem. Young people also need counselling, education, family support, employment opportunities and access to healthy activities such as sports.
Instead of discouraging young people when they fail, society should motivate them. We should tell them: “Give your best. You are still in the race.” Failure should not be treated as the end of the road. Young people need opportunities to discover their abilities, learn from their mistakes and overcome difficulties. Sports grounds, libraries, gyms, skill-development centres and other constructive spaces can provide them with positive alternatives.
I belong to Bhatti Mohalla, Raiyar-Ich, Khansahib, District Budgam, a beautiful village in the Kashmir Valley. Our village is known locally for its traditional food, including noon chai and makki roti. With the growing popularity of Doodhpathri as a tourist destination, the surrounding villages are also gaining greater recognition.
Only about a decade ago, Raiyar-Ich faced considerable challenges in terms of road connectivity, electricity, drinking water and other basic facilities. Today, many of these facilities have improved. However, some problems still remain. One of our major concerns is road connectivity from my home to the main Doodhpathri Road. The road from High School Raiyar-Ich to Bhatti Mohalla still requires attention from the concerned authorities. Residents have been facing difficulties because of inadequate access. I appeal to the concerned authorities to examine the matter and take appropriate action so that the people of the area can enjoy proper road connectivity.
Our village has educated young people, including MSc students and civil-service aspirants. It is predominantly inhabited by the Gujjar community. Better connectivity would not only make daily life easier but would also support education, employment, tourism and economic activity.
Alhamdulillah, I am passionate about bodybuilding and have even established a small gym in a single room at my home. A few days ago, one of my friends, Mohammad Yousuf, told me about a gym at Yarikhah, approximately two kilometres from my home. I visited the gym, collected the key from the owner’s family and opened the premises. I was pleasantly surprised to see such a well-equipped gym with modern imported machines near the shrine of Syed Yaqoob Balkhi.
I spoke with some local people and the gym owner about their experience. They explained that many young people were still unaware of the facilities available to them. This is an important point. Having infrastructure is not enough; people must also know about it and use it. We should therefore spread awareness among young people about gyms, sports grounds and other constructive activities. A village can develop not only through roads and buildings but also through the physical, educational and social development of its youth.
Our villages are changing rapidly. Development is taking place in education, infrastructure, business, tourism and other fields. However, while planning the future of our villages, we must learn from the difficulties faced by cities such as Srinagar. Unplanned construction, inadequate drainage, pollution and encroachment can create serious problems in the future.
Therefore, village development plans should reserve sufficient space for plantations, roads, drainage channels, irrigation canals, playgrounds and public facilities. Illegal encroachment should be prevented, and development should be planned according to the needs of future generations.
The essence of village life is not merely its beautiful landscapes, traditional food or peaceful surroundings. It is the people, their resilience, their culture and their ability to adapt to change. Rural Kashmir has travelled a long distance from the days of poor roads, limited electricity and inadequate water facilities. Yet development is an ongoing process.
If infrastructure is developed responsibly, young people are provided with opportunities, sports and education are promoted, and natural resources are protected, our villages can become models of sustainable development.
The journey from hardship to hope is already visible. Now it is our collective responsibility to ensure that this journey continues in the right direction.
—The author can be reached  [email protected]