India is a country with a large number of villages. The villages situated near city areas are undergoing a revolutionary change. This change is positive and shows definite progress.

Recently, I visited Kaldhari, located 40 kilometers from Pune. I first visited this village when I was in the first standard. How vividly I remember that place! The huge Banyan tree, the humble huts, the few cottages on the roadside, and the lush green farms—this picture has now totally changed. The construction of a new bus stand suggested that many buses now arrive in the village. Bullock-carts were hardly seen on the roads, as tractors had taken their place. A primary health center had been established. People had become more aware of the political changes in the country. It was a good sign that a new high school had also been built.

A co-operative bank, catering to the needs of the farmers, had also started operating here. The roads were wider, and the outlook of the people had broadened. Even girls now enjoyed the facility of education. The youth were better educated and better employed. Farmers followed modern methods in agriculture, using good-quality seeds and fertilizers. All of this has resulted in the prosperity of Kaldhari. Electricity has worked wonders. There were television sets in the homes of a few prominent residents, and thus, Kaldhari has developed into a small township.