A Gujarat Village Becomes “Dikri Gaam” to Honor Daughters
Share
In a heartening demonstration of gender pride and social awareness, a village in Gujarat has rechristened itself “Dikri Gaam” (literally, Daughter’s Village) to affirm the value of its daughters.The decision came around India’s observance of Daughter’s Day, with villagers asserting that daughters deserve not just affection but recognition, equality, and opportunities.
The initiative is rooted in the belief that societal norms too often relegate daughters to marginal roles. By embedding their identity into the name of the village, the community aims to challenge entrenched gender biases and reshape collective mindset. It also aligns with government efforts like Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana, which promote the education and financial security of girls.
Although the report does not specify the original name of the village or all logistical details of the name change, it emphasizes the symbolism behind the gesture. The move draws parallels to earlier efforts across India, such as in Patidad village, Gujarat, where homes now display nameplates bearing daughters’ names, streets are being renamed after outstanding girls, and the village is often referred to as Dikri Village. The Times of India In that case, about 280 households participated in adopting daughter-name plaques, supported by the district administration. The Times of India
Such community actions dovetail with a broader social movement: the Daughter’s Nameplate Campaign (Laado Swabhiman), initiated in Haryana, encouraging families to display their daughters’ names on household nameplates to foster pride and dignity. Wikipedia These micro-gestures cumulatively challenge patriarchal norms and signal that girls are integral to family identity, not an afterthought.
The naming of Dikri Gaam is more than a symbolic slogan — it is an aspirational statement. It says to every girl born there: you belong, your name matters, your presence is celebrated. If neighboring villages, districts, or states adopt similar steps — renaming public spaces after women achievers, inscribing daughters’ names on homes, investing in their education — the impact on attitudes could be profound.
Still, symbolic acts must be matched by structural support: access to education, healthcare, protection from discrimination, removal of barriers to employment, and preventive measures against child marriage, gender violence, and bias in households. The village’s bold step is a beacon, but the journey must continue in policies, practices, and everyday behaviour.
In sum, Dikri Gaam is both a declaration and a promise — that daughters are not invisible; that their names deserve to be spoken, inscribed, and honored. In a country wrestling with gender imbalances, this village’s renaming becomes a powerful testament: change begins when you claim identity, not just for some, but for all.
