Less than a month after getting elected from Nagrota Legislative Assembly segment on a BJP ticket on October 8, 2024, D S Rana passed into eternity. A decade earlier, in 2014, he had won from the same constituency on a National Conference (NC) ticket. The by-elections to this assembly segment have not been held till date though a year has lapsed. However, his daughter Devyani Rana started touring the constituency in mid-November barely a fortnight after his demise. In these meetings, she thanked the electorate for backing her late father as also making it known subtly that she was the heir apparent.
Devyani has taken to politics like a duckling takes to water, effortlessly. But working hard, always available to the voters of the constituency and attending all functions of the BJP where she is expected. She is humble and shows due deference to the party hierarchy, never stepping out of line, staying alert. This is helping her win support both within the party and in the communities whose votes she will need to reach the assembly.
She has been trying to augment the footfalls of tourists and pilgrims within her constituency by promoting traditional route of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi. In fact, Koul Kandoli temple in Nagrota is considered the first stop (pehla darshan) on the route when pilgrims used to walk to the sacred cave site in Trikuta Hills. With direct trains to Katra from most parts of the country, and a fairly large number of buses too, Nagrota is no longer a transit point for most pilgrims. This has not deterred Devyani who is working tirelessly on reviving the temples and serais (resting places) on the traditional route.
In another step aimed at empowering ordinary people in Nagrota assembly segment, particularly rural women, she launched “Gau Shakti Floor Cleaner” on Monday. This is an eco-friendly and organic cleaning product crafted by the women of Nagrota constituency. The product, made from natural cow-based ingredients, symbolizes a blend of traditional wisdom and modern enterprise, setting a new benchmark for self-reliant small scale rural industrial units.
At the launch event, Ms Rana said that Gau Shakti cleaner is more than just a household product. It represents a movement of empowerment, sustainability, and dignity for the women of Nagrota, her karambhoomi.
“This initiative is not just about a product — it’s about a movement. We are creating opportunities for women to become self-sufficient, to take pride in their work, and to actively contribute to the social and economic progress of our constituency,” she remarked.
She further highlighted that the initiative aligns with the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s “Vocal for Local” and “Aatmanirbhar Bharat” campaigns, encouraging communities to build sustainable livelihoods through indigenous innovation and collective effort.
Paying tributes to her late father, Devyani acknowledged his enduring dream of a prosperous, progressive, and self-reliant Nagrota. “My father dreamt of a vibrant Nagrota where every section of society could thrive with dignity and opportunity. He firmly believed that empowering women is the foundation of a strong community. I am committed to carrying forward his legacy and dedicating myself fully to the inclusive and sustainable development of our constituency,” she said.
The Gau Shakti project, spearheaded by women’s self-help groups (SHGs), aims to provide employment, skill development, and financial independence to rural women. The eco-friendly cleaner is made using locally sourced cow dung and herbal extracts, promoting both cleanliness and environmental sustainability.
In addition to Gau Shakti, Devyani Rana also applauded other successful ventures initiated by the women of Nagrota, such as the ‘Pooja Sathi’ Dhoop Cones. It is a line of aromatic incense products that has recently made its way to Amazon and other major e-commerce platforms. These ventures reflect the growing entrepreneurial spirit among women in the constituency, demonstrating that local products can achieve recognition and success on the national stage.
Following the event, she interacted with local shopkeepers in Nagrota Bazar, where she discussed various issues concerning small businesses and traders. She spoke with them about the recent GST benefits and reforms introduced under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. She highlighted the fact that these measures have simplified taxation and provided relief to entrepreneurs, small vendors and the trading community.
Rana reiterated her commitment to strengthening women-led enterprises, providing market linkages, and ensuring that both rural women and small entrepreneurs are integral to Nagrota’s growth story. The event concluded with enthusiastic participation from local women entrepreneurs, youth leaders, and residents who hailed the initiative as a symbol of hope, progress, and empowerment for the constituency.
