Munish Sood
Mandi
In a remarkable blend of youth leadership, sporting excellence, and women’s empowerment, 21-year-old Navita Thakur has been elected as the Pradhan of Luai Panchayat in the remote Chhota Bhangal valley of Kangra district, becoming one of the youngest elected panchayat heads in the region’s history.
Navita secured 383 votes in the women-reserved Pradhan election, defeating her nearest rival by a margin of 81 votes. Her victory triggered celebrations across Luai Panchayat and neighboring villages, where residents hailed the emergence of a young leader expected to bring fresh ideas and renewed energy to local governance.
Beyond politics, Navita has also distinguished herself in the field of sports. A Brown Belt holder in Karate, she has represented the region at the national level and won a bronze medal, earning recognition for her dedication and discipline. Her achievements reflect the growing participation of young women from remote Himalayan areas in competitive sports.
Navita received her karate training under the guidance of renowned karate coach Mukesh Thakur during his tenure as a Trained Graduate Teacher (TGT) at Government Senior Secondary School (GSSS), Lohardi, in Chhota Bhangal. During his three-and-a-half-year posting in the area, Mukesh Thakur trained numerous local students in martial arts, with Navita emerging as one of his notable protégés.
Educated up to Class 12 and married for the past two years, Navita said the decision to enter public life was challenging but was made possible by the unwavering support of her family, in-laws, and local residents. Her husband, Deshraj Thakur, who works in the hospitality sector, actively supported her election campaign.
Speaking after her victory, Navita pledged to work with honesty and dedication to meet the expectations of the people. She identified improvements in drinking water supply, healthcare services, education, women’s empowerment, and youth employment as her key priorities.
For many residents of Chhota Bhangal, Navita Thakur’s journey—from a national-level karate medallist to the youngest elected panchayat leader in the valley—symbolizes determination, resilience, and the changing aspirations of rural Himachal Pradesh. Her success story is now inspiring a new generation of young women to pursue leadership roles both in public life and beyond.
