Sunil Jaglan: Beyond 'Selfie With Daughter'—The Global Impact of the Bibipur Village Development Model

When we think of Sunil Jaglan, the first thing that comes to mind is the iconic 'Selfie With Daughter' campaign—a viral social movement that encouraged fathers across India to share selfies with their daughters in a bid to promote gender equality and break down societal norms. While this campaign brought Jaglan national and international recognition, his work as the Sarpanch (village head) of Bibipur village in Haryana has had an even more profound and lasting impact.

Jaglan’s innovative approach to village development in Bibipur has transformed the village and made it a global example of rural progress. His work has not only reshaped the village’s social fabric but has inspired a wave of change in other rural areas, proving that sustainable development is possible even in the most underserved communities.

The Beginning: A Vision for Change in Bibipur

Located in Haryana, Bibipur was like many other villages in India—a place with limited access to resources, traditional gender roles, and a lack of essential services. However, when Sunil Jaglan became Sarpanch in 2015, he saw an opportunity to bring about change. With a deep understanding of both the challenges and potential of rural India, Jaglan set out to implement a model of development that would address not only basic infrastructure but also the social and cultural issues that often hindered progress.

Jaglan’s vision for Bibipur was simple yet powerful: empowerment through education, equality, and community engagement. He wanted to break the cycle of poverty, gender inequality, and social backwardness that plagued many rural communities and replace it with a model of self-reliance and holistic development.

Gender Equality at the Forefront

One of the most remarkable aspects of Jaglan’s approach was his commitment to gender equality. Even before the success of the 'Selfie With Daughter' campaign, he was already taking concrete steps in Bibipur to uplift women and girls. One of his first actions as Sarpanch was to ensure that girls’ education became a priority. He launched initiatives aimed at increasing girls' enrollment in schools and ensuring they had access to safe, supportive learning environments.

Jaglan also addressed issues like child marriage and female foeticide, prevalent in many rural parts of India. By working closely with local communities, he encouraged families to send their daughters to school instead of marrying them off early. He also organized programs to educate parents about the importance of girl-child education and women’s rights.

The ‘Selfie With Daughter’ campaign became a natural extension of this drive for gender equality. It spread a message of empowerment, reminding fathers of the importance of supporting their daughters in every aspect of their lives. What started as a local initiative in Bibipur soon gained national and international recognition, with people from all walks of life joining the movement.

The Bibipur Model: A Blueprint for Rural Development

While the 'Selfie With Daughter' campaign may have been a media sensation, the real game-changer was the Bibipur village model that Jaglan developed and implemented. His development strategy focused on improving the overall quality of life for the villagers by addressing multiple dimensions of progress: infrastructure, education, healthcare, sanitation, and employment.

  1. Water and Sanitation: One of the first challenges Jaglan tackled was the issue of sanitation. Bibipur had long struggled with inadequate sanitation facilities, which contributed to health problems in the community. Jaglan worked to ensure that every household had access to clean drinking water and hygienic sanitation facilities. This effort not only improved public health but also raised awareness about the importance of hygiene and environmental sustainability.

  2. Education: Jaglan placed a strong emphasis on education, particularly for girls. He worked to improve local schools, providing better facilities, teaching materials, and scholarships for students. His push for educational reforms resulted in a higher rate of school attendance and academic achievement in Bibipur, especially among girls, who were often left behind in traditional rural setups.

  3. Job Creation and Entrepreneurship: Beyond infrastructure and education, Jaglan was committed to improving the livelihoods of villagers. He promoted self-help groups (SHGs) and micro-enterprise initiatives that encouraged local women to take charge of their financial independence. These groups helped women start small businesses such as making handicrafts, weaving, or running dairy farms, thereby boosting local economies and empowering women.

  4. Health and Welfare: Jaglan also worked towards improving healthcare facilities in Bibipur, ensuring access to basic health services for everyone. Regular health camps were organized, focusing on maternal health, child health, and awareness of diseases like tuberculosis and malaria. Additionally, Jaglan ensured that the elderly and disabled received pensions and other welfare benefits.

  5. Clean Energy Initiatives: Another pioneering aspect of the Bibipur model was the focus on sustainable development. Jaglan introduced renewable energy sources in the village, such as solar-powered streetlights and biogas plants, to reduce the reliance on non-renewable resources and promote environmental sustainability.

A Global Example of Rural Progress

What started in Bibipur has now become an example of sustainable rural development for the world. Jaglan’s work has shown that change is possible even in villages that have historically been neglected. By focusing on practical solutions and working closely with the community, he was able to create a model that has been replicated in other villages across India and even internationally.

Various organizations and governments have looked to Bibipur as a case study for rural development. Jaglan’s work is a testament to the power of community-based solutions and grassroots leadership. His emphasis on gender equality, education, and sustainable livelihoods has made him a global ambassador for rural transformation, with his model serving as a source of inspiration for communities facing similar challenges around the world.

Sunil Jaglan's Lasting Legacy

Sunil Jaglan’s impact, both locally and globally, extends far beyond the viral success of his campaigns. His legacy lies in the tangible changes he brought to the lives of people in Bibipur and the countless others who have been inspired by his work. The Bibipur model proves that development is not just about physical infrastructure—it’s about changing hearts and minds, challenging stereotypes, and empowering communities to take charge of their own futures.

As India and the world look for solutions to poverty, inequality, and underdevelopment, the Bibipur village development model stands as a shining example of how one person’s vision can spark a revolution that transforms lives and communities. Sunil Jaglan’s journey is a reminder that lasting change begins with the courage to challenge the status quo and the determination to create a better future for all.

Sunil Jaglan’s work goes far beyond the fame of the 'Selfie With Daughter' campaign. It is a story of hope, perseverance, and the belief that meaningful change can start in the most unlikely of places. Through his efforts in Bibipur, he has created a legacy that will continue to inspire rural development, gender equality, and community empowerment for generations to come.