As a part of the Rural Development course, the students of the Political Science Department, School of Social Sciences, University of Hyderabad (UoH) visited Muchintal village on March 21, 2025. This village is located in Ranga Reddy district of Telangana and is known for its recent developments in the field of infrastructure and tourism. The field visit was conducted to examine all 29 subjects of rural development as given in the 11th schedule of the Constitution, which is under the purview of the Panchayati Raj institutions in the country.
Nearly 40 students, along with Dr. Donthagani Veerababu, reached the village at the forenoon. They were warmly welcomed in the Muchinal Government school by the ex-village representatives of the village and other important dignitaries, including the members of the Khushi NGO and the Headmistress of the village’s government school. All these dignitaries addressed the students. They spoke about the condition of the village in various aspects viz education, employment, health, government schemes, etc. The most pertinent issue raised by all of them was the absence of the Panchayati Raj elections for one year. Hence, they hoped that the study would help the village raise the issue with the central government, particularly the Ministry of Rural Development, through the submission of the integrated report.
During the address, the students were given leads regarding whom they could meet and discuss their respective subjects. That included the ex-representatives, the headmistress of the school, a PhD scholar from Osmania University, school teachers, the Khushi NGO village head, and the villagers spread across the village. The students enthusiastically approached all of them, asked them questions, and tried to collect relevant information. The students found these people extraordinarily kind and helpful in all the means.
After a while, the rapporteurs met all the students and asked them about their progress in their report. It is admirable that the students efficiently managed their time and spoke with all the concerned people involved. They collected relevant data about subjects such as land selling, village occupational structure, health and sanitation, primary, secondary, and higher education, women and child development, rural electrification, agriculture, implementation of government schemes, etc. The students exchanged their insights with each other, leading to a fruitful discussion and analysis of the conditions and issues concerning the village.
Later, the students of HCU also interacted with the students of the Government School. The kids were asked basic questions about their family size, occupations of their parents, migration status, government food provision, digital literacy, aspirations in life, hobbies, and the like. HCU students found the kids to be studying well, playing regularly, having general knowledge, and having overall good health and hygiene. It was a really memorable experience for both sides since the HCU students found the kids recognizing them and showing affection outside the school as well when they visited their homes. This trust-building helped ease further conversations, which was a significant learning experience.
Post lunch, the students spread around the village to talk with the villagers and take relevant photographs regarding their subjects. It was observed that agriculture was limited to floriculture, where marigold flowers were seen to be produced. Some students met Anganwadi and ASHA workers to learn about their work, progress, and issues they faced. Other students spoke with shop owners, women, medical students enrolled in the JIMS college, and others they could easily see in the open spaces. Some students also visited the Panchayat office to speak with the ex-representative and collect data relevant to their topic and general demographic information about the villagers.
Later, the students visited Swarna Bharat Trust, which provides free technical education to underprivileged youth and women to enhance their skills for the purpose of livelihood and employability. The centre has also proved to be highly beneficial to all the surrounding villages. The Trust had thoughtfully included vocational training centres for digital literacy, agricultural practices, fashion designing, manufacturing and servicing training, etc. They also had modern tele-education, telemedicine, video conferencing, and a digital auditorium that runs health and educational awareness programs for the youth. Swarna Bharat also had an ‘Age Old Home’ under construction. The students briefly visited there, too. The Trust is doing praiseworthy work since they are self-driven and do not accept any government grants and aid. Moreover, they are purely an apolitical organization.
In the evening, after a thoroughly enriching day, the students visited the Statue of Equality, which was built on the land that was previously a part of Muchintal village. The statue is that of Bhagavad Ramanujacharya (1017-1137 AD). It is a cultural and spiritual campus dedicated to learning devotion and promoting harmony among all beings. The evening was a serene and joyful experience in the sunset amongst the aesthetics of architecture encompassing our cultural heritage and ancient values.