It is a proud moment for India especially Uttar Pradesh when one of its village Dhorra Mafi of Aligarh district holds a distinction for not only being the most Literate village of India but also Asia. With the literacy rate of more than 80 percent the village has already entered “Limca Book of World Records” and its name was proposed in the “Guinness World Records” also. In a recent development the village has become a part of Aligarh district now, though the Gram Panchayat and villagers demanded a status of “smart Village” by the administration.
In a telephonic interview to The Financial World, M Noorul Amin, who was the Gram Pradhan of the village since the year 2000 said “ We feel very proud that our village is considered as the most literate village in Asia, but it would have been better if our village received the status of “Smart Village”. India is a Land of Villages, and Dhorra Gaon had its distinct identity because of its educated class. We have worked hard for the development of this village but the administration did not pay attention to our proposal of converting it to a model of smart village. According to Amin, who is also a Doctor, they had requested the District and State administration many times but their demands were overlooked. He fails to understand why the administration ignored a simple request. After becoming a part of the district, Dhorra will lose its identity. Amin added.
Dhorra Village is no more a village now but has become a part of Aligarh district like many other villages. The process of merging Dhorra with Aligarh district started in 2018 and now it is a part of Municipal Council. Situated in the Aligarh District of Uttar Pradesh, Dhorra Mafi village lies in the proximity of Aligarh Muslim University. It is located 4km towards North from District head quarters Aligarh. With a population of 18-20 thousand people the village was self sufficient with all necessary amenities. It had broken all the Clitches that villages are generally associated with. The Village was considered as the most developed village of the country with regular Electricity supply, water supply, English medium schools, Hospitals and Banks. The women of the village were also equally educated as men and are placed in good sectors. Because of these reasons its name was proposed for Guinness World Records also.
Dhorra Village has always been in News because of its Education. There was a mix population of Muslims and non- Muslims people that lived happily. It became popular when Super-Star Amitabh Bachchan asked a question in his famous quiz program “ Kaun Banega Crorepati “ “ Which is the most educated village of Asia ? It was listed in Limca Book of World records as the most literate village of India in 2002. This Gaon has given many scientists, doctors, Engineers, Professors and IAS officers. Most of the people belonging to this village are in Govt. jobs and many of them are settled abroad. As it lies in close proximity of AMU, it has been instrumental in giving Education to men and women. Faiz Mustafa of this village was a vice Chancellor of Aligarh Muslim University. Dr Shadab Bano and Dr Naima Gurrej are the professors and IAS Dr Siraj an IAS officer also belongs to this village.
While this village has earned its reputation as Asia most literate village, other villages of India are also setting examples. A small village in Meghalaya has earned the title of “Asia cleanest village” after Dhorra.
