Aditya Negi
BaglaSuchani is a small village located in the Samba district of Jammu and Kashmir. Before 2011, it resembled a typical cinematic portrayal of rural India-marked by water scarcity due to its arid climate, infertile land unsuitable for farming, lack of proper medical facilities, and limited livelihood opportunities. Most villagers depended on daily wages earned in nearby towns or cities, and there were few avenues for entrepreneurship or self-employment.The name BaglaSuchani reflects both the geography and the community. While “Suchani” refers to the area, “Bagla” is derived from a community that once entirely owned the village land. Numerous folk tales surround the origin of this name. One such story speaks of an asura (demon) named Bagla, who was believed to reside in a large banyan tree and terrorize the locals-then known as the Patyal community. One day, the villagers overcame the asura and freed him from his curse. In memory of their triumph, they began identifying themselves as Bagla instead of Patyal. Though rooted in myth, this tale reflects the village’s traditional worldview and a previously distant relationship with modern society.Over time, due to the land’s unproductive nature and the community’s financial struggles, many Bagla families began selling their land. This opened the doors for people from various backgrounds to settle in Suchani, gradually transforming it into a diverse and inclusive village.
The turning point came in 2009 when the Indian Parliament passed a bill to establish Central Universities across the country, including in Jammu and Kashmir. BaglaSuchani was identified as an ideal location for the Central University of Jammu. In 2011, the university officially opened its doors in the village-ushering in a wave of change.The university’s presence led to the development of basic infrastructure, including reliable electricity, water supply, health facilities, and road construction. E-bus services were introduced, and land prices soared. More importantly, it brought with it a plethora of opportunities for the local population, especially women. Villagers started offering services such as paying guest (PG) accommodations, tiffin services, and room rentals to students. Many who once commuted to cities for work began small businesses like dhabas, stationery shops, and restaurants in the village itself. The university also directly employed many local residents.With students arriving from across India, a vibrant cultural exchange blossomed.
Students shared their traditions, while also learning about the rich local heritage of Suchani. The university thus became a melting pot of cultures and ideas, fostering mutual understanding and harmony.Most significantly, the university cultivated an environment of education and awareness. Literacy rates began to rise, and education started to be viewed as a tool for eradicating social evils like child marriage, dowry, drug abuse, domestic violence, and female infanticide.
As of 2025, BaglaSuchani is growing rapidly-economically, socially, educationally, and even mentally. And it all began with the establishment of a single educational institution. The symbiotic relationship between the Central University of Jammu and the village is a testament to the power of education in transforming communities. One can only hope that this bond continues to thrive in the years to come.
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