With stories of hope, determination, and the unwavering human spirit taking centre stage – Sony Entertainment Television’s reality quiz show ‘Kaun Banega Crorepati’ has proven time and again that knowledge is power. Mirroring the spirit of change that the country is experiencing, Season 15’s ‘Shaandaar Somvaar’ is a remarkable celebration of individuals who have dedicated themselves to the noble cause of making the world a better place. And the inaugural guests of ‘Shaandaar Somvaar’ were two exceptional figures: Rajasthan’s Neeru Yadav and Chhavi Rajawat, both having served as Sarpanchs in their respective villages – Jhunjhunu and Soda.
Chhavi, an MBA graduate, chose to return to her roots to uplift her village and transform its fate. The weight of her community’s expectations rested on her capable shoulders, a responsibility inherited from her grandfather, an ex-army officer who had previously served as Sarpanch. For Neeru, her journey to become a Sarpanch was equally challenging. As a newlywed woman from Haryana, adapting to her new life in Rajasthan exposed her to the unsettling reality of women silently bearing their problems. Determined to bring about change, she took on the mantle of leadership, becoming a beacon for women to express their concerns. These two extraordinary women captivated the legendary Amitabh Bachchan with their stories, and in return, he shared his own life anecdotes, like the fascinating origin of the song ‘Mere Angane Mein’ in the film ‘Lawaris,’ which became such a sensation that he even sang it at the Wembley Stadium. By the end of the gameplay, the guests walked away with 6 lakh 40 thousand as prize money.
Reflecting on their time in the hot seat, Neeru Yadav shared, “Sitting in front of Mr Amitabh Bachchan and participating in KBC was a surreal experience. Having watched him on television for so long, actually being on set and experiencing it firsthand was beyond words. Mr Bachchan’s kind words and encouragement, along with his genuine interest in our village work, left an indelible mark. KBC, indeed, is the key to unlocking dreams.”
Chhavi Rajawat echoed her co-contestant’s sentiments, saying, “Being on KBC and meeting Mr. Amitabh Bachchan has been an incredible experience. His graciousness and keen attention to our stories, coupled with his heartfelt appreciation for our endeavours, were truly heartwarming. Through this platform, I aspire to convey to young girls everywhere that there are no limits to what they can achieve. Where there is a will, there is always a way. I hope that our voices resonate with people and inspire them to contribute to the betterment of their communities. When our villages prosper, our nation thrives!”
The prize money earned by Neeru Yadav and Chhavi Rajawat was dedicated to two noble causes: The Aditri Foundation, a compassionate NGO rooted in Jhunjhunu, Rajasthan, India, committed to uplifting the community and creating a meaningful impact in the lives of the less fortunate. Meanwhile, the funds also supported The Eminent TT Girls’ College, a cherished institution located in Soda, Rajasthan, envisioned by Chhavi to enhance its infrastructure and provide better opportunities for young girls.
