GOWRI MANICKAVASAGAM
Jigar Bhagwanbhai Desai, 27, is a politician, social worker and above all friend of the farmers in Banasknatha district of Vibrant Gujarat State. Social service runs in his blood as Jigar’s late grandfather and late father have been helping the farmers of Banaskantha district by resolving their problems without any expectation or monetary benefit. Their only motto was service to the mankind, especially farmers.
Having observed this since his childhood, Jigar has stepped into the shoes of his elders and decided to continue their good works for the betterment of the society at large. Although born in an upper-class family and enjoying its benefits, Jigar has decided to devote his entire life for serving the poor and needy people, particularly the farmers of Banaskantha District.
Jigar’s father passed away in 2011 leaving the family burden on the shoulders of seventeen–year-old son. Undeterred Jigar carried out the responsibilities with much ease at this tender age and determined to continue the family tradition of working for the welfare of society.
Political plunge
Jigar Desai, who was only 18-years-old then, won in the APMC Deesa Market yard polls by bagging the most votes in 2012 and became Gujarat’s youngest Director. Later, he was appointed Minister of Youth Front of the Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP), Banaskantha District in 2013.
Flood relief and rescue missions
In 2015 and 2017 Gujarat had received heavy rainfall throwing life out of gear. Banaskantha district was hit hard rendering many homeless, road connectivity became very difficult to supply food, water and undertaking relief and rescue missions. During such a humanitarian crisis, Jigar Desai along with his team of Good Samaritan arranged food packets and distributed kits in coordination with the NDRF and also arranged helicopters to rescue people.
Friend of farmers
To understand the agricultural field and farming in a better manner, Jigar Desai has taken training from the NABARD (National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development) in Shimla, Sikkim and Shimla. From the knowledge he got from the training, he started working for the development of the rural areas and farmers.
The Central and Gujarat governments have initiated many farmer-friendly schemes. Jigar Desai personally visits farmers to explain the benefits of these initiatives and helps in increasing their income. And if any farmer needs a loan, Jigar assists them to get loans from his bank.
COVID-19 and blood donation camps
With the aim of alleviating the shortage of blood to the needy patients in the district, Jigar Desai spearheaded the Banaskantha District Youth Front in organising blood donation camps in Palanpur and Dhanera during the second wave of COVID-19 pandemic.
Many feathers in his cap of glory
Currently, he is the vice-chairman of the Banaskantha District Central Co-operative Bank and vice- president of the Banaskantha District BJYM.
Young Social Activist Jigar Desai’s sheer dedication and hard work for the society brought him many laurels.
Jigar Desai wishes to continue the social work he has been doing for years. He wants to dedicate his time for the betterment of the society and in the development of the rural areas of Banaskantha District. Now, all that he needs is recognition from the senior party leaders and an opportunity to become an elected law-maker to carry on his good deeds.
