Nestled just 40 kilometers from Jalandhar along the Jalandhar-Ludhiana National Highway, the village of Rurka Kalan is capturing national attention as a pioneering model for rural development in Punjab. With a population of 9,000, this middle-sized village has recently earned the prestigious Shaheed Bhagat Singh Punjab State Annual Environment Award for its exemplary achievements in environmental protection and sustainable practices.
The award includes a cash prize of ₹1 lakh, a certificate of appreciation, and a silver plaque. Instituted last year on World Environment Day, this award highlights exceptional efforts in safeguarding the environment across four categories: gram panchayat, industry, institution, and NGO or social worker. Rurka Kalan’s success underscores its remarkable journey from a once-struggling community to a beacon of progress.
The transformation of Rurka Kalan began in the early 2000s, led by Gurmangal Dass, who left his engineering career to focus on his village’s development. With support from the charitable organization Dera Bhai Sadhu, Dass established the Youth Football Club (YFC) in 2000, aiming to revive the village’s storied sports culture. This initiative has rejuvenated local engagement and produced several international athletes, including notable footballers like Surjit Sandhu and Anwar Ali.
In addition to sports, Rurka Kalan has invested heavily in infrastructure and sustainable practices, with over ₹20 crore spent on development projects. These include a football stadium, a Dasehra stadium, and various sports courts, as well as computer labs and a vocational training center. The village’s commitment to environmental sustainability is particularly noteworthy, with extensive water conservation measures that save approximately 3 billion liters of water annually. This includes the construction of five ponds, 30 soak pits, and two rainwater harvesting systems.
The village’s dedication to cultural preservation is equally impressive. Historical structures and traditional community spaces, like the banyan tree-shaded heritage saths, have been integrated into the modern landscape, reflecting Rurka Kalan’s commitment to balancing heritage with contemporary progress.
Despite these successes, Rurka Kalan faces financial challenges due to the lack of Panchayati land, relying on contributions from non-resident Indians (NRIs) and the YFC for funding. Nevertheless, the village remains optimistic, setting ambitious goals for the future. By 2030, Rurka Kalan aims to achieve carbon neutrality and continue advancing clean water and sanitation efforts, educational quality, and sustainable agriculture, aligning with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals.
Gurmangal Dass, president of the YFC, expresses pride in the village’s achievements. “Rurka Kalan stands as a testament to what can be achieved when a community unites for a common cause. We have brought modern amenities to our residents’ doorsteps while ensuring that our legacy and culture thrive,” he says.
Rurka Kalan’s journey offers a hopeful model for other villages in Punjab and beyond, demonstrating that with vision and collaboration, rural communities can indeed shape a brighter and more sustainable future.
