From Mockery to Rashtrapati Bhavan: Rajasthan Farmer's Apple Dream Bears Fruit
Nearly ten years back, Santosh Devi Khedar brought apple and pomegranate saplings to her small farm in Beri village. This village sits in Rajasthan's Sikar district. Her neighbors and even agriculture experts laughed at her idea. They dismissed the thought of growing apples in that arid land. Water remains scarce there. Summers prove particularly ruthless.
Santosh Devi held on to her impossible dream anyway. Today, that persistence has taken her all the way to Rashtrapati Bhavan. The state government has recognized her several times as an innovative farmer. Now, she has received one of the most emotional honours of her life.
A Presidential Invitation Arrives
The President of India has invited Santosh Devi as a distinguished participant for this year's Republic Day celebrations. Her family and village were overcome with joy when the letter arrived. Years of struggle turned into tears of pride in that moment.
Her son, Rahul Khedar, spoke to TOI about the invitation. He said it came just three days ago. "My mother couldn't stop smiling," Rahul shared. "She worked silently for years. She faced failures, doubts, and financial stress. Today, her hard work has finally been recognised at the highest level."
A Decade of Faith and Experimentation
Santosh Devi's journey from the dry, cracked earth of Beri village to national recognition is remarkable. It is a powerful story of faith and perseverance. For nearly a full decade, she experimented with horticulture under harsh conditions.
She refused to give up despite multiple challenges. Water scarcity posed a constant problem. The soil quality was poor. Repeated scepticism from others tested her resolve. Yet, she continued her work.
"I grew pomegranates, apples, and mosambi for the past 10 years," Santosh Devi said. Her voice filled with emotion as she spoke. "There were days when I felt completely exhausted. But I kept changing my methods. I adjusted the soil, the watering patterns, everything. I believed the land would respond one day."
Belief Finally Pays Off
That steadfast belief eventually paid off. Her apple trees began bearing fruit in a place where no one thought they would. The people who once laughed now watch her success in awe.
"Jo maanya konya, ve ib poonchhe hai," she says softly. This translates to a simple truth: those who didn't believe now come asking for guidance. Her farm stands as a living testament to what determination can achieve.
Santosh Devi Khedar's story inspires many. It shows that innovation in agriculture can flourish even in the toughest environments. Her Republic Day honour celebrates not just one farmer's success, but the spirit of every Indian who dares to dream against the odds.
