Popatrao Baguji Pawar, Farmer Sarpanch of Hiware Bazar Following his M. Com graduation, Mr. Shri Popatrao Baguji Pawar passed up lucrative job offers to return to his village. Determined to make a positive change, he turned Hiware Bazar into a unique model of self-reliance and self-governance which inspires communities around India and abroad.
He was elected Sarpanch of the village in 1990, and since then has made huge strides in water quality, education, health and sanitation. He has participated in numerous seminars at the district, state and national levels. His model of development has been studied and replicated both nationally and internationally.