He himself did not contest the election for the post of MLA, but helped many MLAs to cross the sinking boat.
Born in Barwa village in Bhiwani, Ramesh Verma’s political journey is the story of a people’s leader who prioritized service over power. Over four decades, he established his identity from the Panchayat to the Legislative Assembly through honesty, transparency, and public service. His efforts to promote village development, empower women, and guide youth have redefined rural politics. Although he himself never ran for MLA, he has helped many MLAs sail through the sea. He reminds us that politics isn’t just about winning elections, but a constant responsibility to society. Ramesh Verma’s leadership is reflected not just in decisions but in dialogue. He listens to people’s problems, secures solutions from officials, and follows up until results are evident. This practical approach to politics has made him a trusted figure.
Village politics is often viewed through the lens of self-interest, factionalism, and caste-based equations. But sometimes, from that very soil, emerge individuals who prove that politics isn’t merely a means to power, but can also be a true path to public service. Ramesh Verma, from the small village of Barwa in Haryana’s Bhiwani district, is a living example of this philosophy. His social and political career, spanning more than four decades, reflects not a lust for power but a culture of service.
Ramesh Verma’s journey begins with a generation when the Panchayat was not just a forum for decision-making but a symbol of dialogue. From the time his father, Kishna Ram Singhmar, was elected village sarpanch in 1983, he closely observed administrative work, village development needs, and public interest issues. This experience formed the foundation of his political thinking. During that time, young Ramesh learned by assisting in the Panchayat’s work that public trust is the greatest asset. This learning continued to guide him in politics.
In 1996, he ran for the first time in the Zila Parishad elections. Finishing second among 10 candidates was not only a personal achievement, but also a sign that this young man from Barwa had begun to think beyond his village. Three years later, in 1999, when he was appointed Chairman of the Market Committee, Siwani (Bawani Khera constituency) by the Haryana government, he assumed administrative responsibilities with a public welfare focus. During that tenure, he focused particularly on the interests of local farmers, transparency in the market system, and the convenience of traders.
The second phase of Ramesh Verma’s political career began in 2005, when he was re-elected as the village sarpanch (village head). During his five-year tenure, the dedication with which he led the village panchayat on the path of development remains a topic of discussion even today. He played a significant role in projects such as roads, water, streetlights, drains, school buildings, and temple parks. People say that he made politics not a means of showmanship, but a means of building society.
In 2016, when he finished second in the Panchayat elections by just 71 votes, he considered it not a defeat, but a recognition of the public’s newfound spirit. This humility and self-acceptance distinguish him from ordinary leaders. Even after that defeat, he continued his social work, and over the next three years, by actively managing the organization and campaigning for the 2019 Loharu Assembly elections, he proved his loyalty was not to position, but to purpose. Even though he didn’t contest the MLA election himself, he helped several MLAs sail through the sinking waters. This was a testament to his strategic acumen and public relations skills—he stood firmly in the interests of the party and society on every front.
Ramesh Verma’s reputation extends beyond politics to a social worker. During the “Swachh Bharat Abhiyan,” he not only led a village cleanliness drive but also inspired people to adopt practical hygiene practices. He started Self-Help Groups (SHGs) for women, enabling them to become financially independent. During the difficult times of the COVID-19 pandemic, he actively participated in the distribution of rations, masks, and sanitizers, even as most people were confined to their homes out of fear. For him, service doesn’t wait for an opportunity—it’s part of life.
Ramesh Verma has organized numerous sports competitions and career counseling camps for youth. He believes that if rural youth receive the right guidance and inspiration, they won’t need to migrate to cities. This philosophy inspires him to prioritize education and employment locally.
Transparency and accountability were the most notable features of his political style. He always ensured public participation in any project or development project. Village meetings openly discussed every issue. His belief that “politics is not about ruling over people, but about serving them while living among them” has become his hallmark.
Ramesh Verma’s leadership is reflected not just in decisions but in his communication. He listens to people’s problems, secures solutions from officials, and follows up until results are achieved. This hands-on approach to politics has made him a trusted figure. This is why he was able to contribute to the approval of budgets for development projects in more than 40 villages.
His social life, from 1983 to 2025, was filled with both honors and lessons. He was honored by various social organizations and cultural forums in several villages in Hisar and Bhiwani. In 2024, local newspapers published special articles on him, calling him a “conscious leader and social worker.”
What stands out most about Ramesh Verma’s politics is his consistent honesty. Often, leaders appear among the public during elections, then disappear for five years. But in Ramesh Verma’s case, the pattern is reversed. He remains present among the people of his constituency in every situation—whether a problem or a celebration. This constant engagement makes him a “man of the people,” not just a “person of position.”
His vision is clear—transparency and accountability in politics, along with prioritizing education, employment, protection of farmers, and empowerment of women and youth. He believes that the development gap between rural and urban areas can only be bridged through equitable distribution of resources and opportunities at the local level.
Today, when much of politics has been reduced to demonstrations, rhetoric, and propaganda, leaders like Ramesh Verma remind us that “leadership doesn’t mean popularity, it means responsibility.” He considers the public not a vote bank but a family. This is why his supporters call him a “servant” rather than a “leader.”
In Haryana politics, where a lack of honest leadership is being felt amidst the rapidly growing selfishness and profiteering of the younger generation, public representatives like Ramesh Verma offer a new ray of hope. His journey sends the message that even rural streets can produce leaders who can set new standards at the state and national level.
Today, when democracy needs to be reconnected with public relations, the stories of people like Ramesh Verma strengthen the roots of democracy. They represent a tradition in which leaders walk alongside the people, not away from them.
If India is truly called a country of villages, the role of such leaders becomes even greater. Village leaders are the first step of democracy. And only when that step is strong can the structure built above it remain stable. Public representatives like Ramesh Verma ensure that democracy is deeply rooted not just in the Constitution but also in the soil of the villages.
Ultimately, Ramesh Verma’s story is not just about one person, but about a philosophy that connects politics with morality. He proves that “it’s possible to remain clean even while in politics, provided one’s intentions are pure.” His life is a testament to the fact that public service, when done honestly, illuminates not just the village but the soul of society
