Imagine living in complete darkness for over two decades—no lights, no fans, and constant fear of wild animals lurking outside. This is the harsh reality for the residents of Subarnapur, a tribal village in Odisha’s Ganjam district, where 25 years have passed without a single spark of electricity. But here’s where it gets even more heartbreaking: it’s not just about the lack of power. This community of 130 people, spanning 25 families, is also deprived of basic amenities like proper roads, healthcare, education, and reliable communication. Even in 2025, they’re stuck in a time capsule of neglect, while the rest of the world moves forward.
As the sun sets, the village plunges into an eerie silence. Doors are bolted shut, and families huddle around flickering candles or kerosene lamps—a stark contrast to the modern world. Children, from primary school to college, struggle to study in dim light, their futures dimmed by the absence of something as fundamental as electricity. And this is the part most people miss: the government’s repeated promises have turned into decades of disappointment. Villagers like Sumant Sabar and Samil Sabar have pleaded for change, but their cries seem to fall on deaf ears. Hani Gamang, a student, sums it up poignantly: ‘We can’t even study or do homework, and the government isn’t even providing us with kerosene.’
Here’s the controversial question: In a country racing toward technological advancement, how can we justify leaving entire communities in the dark? Mobile connectivity is another battle—residents climb trees or trek long distances just to find a faint signal. The administration’s apathy has left Subarnapur cut off from the world, a stark reminder of the inequality that persists in rural India.
When an OTV team visited the village, they confirmed the grim reality. The approach road itself tells the story of neglect—a symbol of the village’s forgotten status. Uma Shankar Behera, the sub-collector of Bhanjanagar, has promised action, vowing to work with officials to provide basic amenities. But will this be another empty promise? Or will Subarnapur finally see the light—both literally and metaphorically?
What do you think? Is it acceptable for a village to be left without electricity for 25 years? And what steps should the government take to ensure no community is left behind? Share your thoughts in the comments—let’s spark a conversation that could ignite change.
