Digi library, WiFi, hookahs: Swanky Hry village ‘chaupal’ turns heads
The youth must be provided with late-night study facility with proper internet services, besides a space to relax. SATYAWAN SINDHU, a resident
: When you hear the word ‘chaupal’, the general image that comes to mind is that of a group of elderly sitting under a huge banyan tree or in an old community building discussing about life, cattle, agricultural yield, morality, and other issues over cups of tea, hookah and shared laughter.
While keeping the tradition intact, the panchayat of Sindhar village has provided a new-age makeover to the space, traditionally used by men for informal gatherings, and opened its door to students and locals.
The multistory 80-feet tall building is equipped with array of facilities, including study rooms, digital library, private accommodation and leisure rooms.
While the top two floors of the building are operational, the remaining will be thrown open in next 2-3 weeks.
Named after Saheed Bhagat Singh, a 100kg statue of the freedom fighter is also installed on the roof.
“Time is changing by the day. The youth must be provided with late-night study facility with proper internet services besides a space to relax.,” said Satyawan Sindhu, relative of sarpanch Rani Devi, who is involved in the process. “This is probably first ever multistory chaupal in Haryana state,” he added.
He said the panchayat and villagers had taken the decision over the building about 1.5 years ago and were awaiting the Centre’s grant of ₹18 lakh, which was accepted within few months of application.
“The estimated cost of the projects is around ₹90 lakh. We have also provided toilet facilities, hookahs, couch sets, water cooler, private rooms (3) to welcome guests, CCTV facility and a digital library for students,” Sindhu added.
Nearly 30kms away from Hisar city, Sindhar village has a population of about 2,800 people with total 1,600 voters. Located on HansiHisar road under the Narnond block, the village has been awarded by chief minister Manohar Lal Khattar for providing proper water facilities.
VILLAGERS’ VIEW
Applauding the efforts undertaken by the sarpanch and the decision to come up with a common space for all, villagers Sanjay Kumar and Jai Singh said, “There are five different chaupals of different communities in the village. This common chaupal would bring together and welcome people from chattis biradari (36 communities).”
Amit Kumar, a student, said, “We will be able to study more books of different authors due to the digital library.”
“The roof top provides a beautiful view of lush green fields, which is very relaxing for old people,” an elderly man said.