Gujarat Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi on 14 October 2026 distributed 221 JCB machines to young members of the Bharwad community under the 'Yuva Rojgar Yojana' at a programme held at Town Hall, Gandhinagar. The event, organised by the Bharwad Yuva Sangathan, also announced free laptops for students who excel in their Class 10 and Class 12 board examinations — part of a broader community effort to blend traditional livelihoods with digital opportunity.

The 'Lakdi to Laptop' Vision

Sanghavi described the community's transition as a journey from 'Lakdi to Laptop' — from the shepherd's stick, long a symbol of Bharwad identity, to the laptop as a tool of modern progress. 'The stick has always symbolised the honour of the Bharwad community, and now, laptops in their hands will contribute to the nation's development,' he said, adding that while the stick once served as protection, laptops would drive the community's upliftment.

The symbolic theme was reinforced by a traditional weighing ceremony in which Sanghavi was ceremonially weighed against laptops, underlining the community's intent to embrace the digital age while retaining its cultural roots.

Self-Employment Push and Livelihood Creation

The distribution of 221 JCB machines to youth from multiple districts of Gujarat is intended to generate self-employment for several families. Sanghavi noted that accessing bank loans has historically been difficult for economically weaker rural households, but collective community action had helped bridge that gap. He pointed to earlier efforts under which thousands of young Bharwad members had received Eco and Bolero vehicles for similar livelihood purposes. Officials and representatives of Amin JCB, which partnered in the initiative, were present at the event.

Education and Women's Empowerment

On the education front, laptops collected through the community initiative will be gifted free of cost to students who perform well in board examinations. Sanghavi specifically urged the community to ensure girls receive the best possible educational opportunities, noting that the laptop scheme would 'support daughters of Maldhari families living in villages in pursuing education and sports.' Former MLA Bhavanbhai Bharwad stated that nearly 90 per cent of community members are now educated and highlighted that hostels have been established at Amreli, Anand, Dharampur, Naina village and Ranuja to support students, with more hostels and dharamshalas under construction.

Other Remarks by Sanghavi

The Deputy Chief Minister also referenced action against illegal encroachments around the Dwarkadhish Temple, saying cleared land would improve facilities for the lakhs of devotees who visit annually from across India and abroad. On cow protection, Sanghavi noted that Gujarat's first anti-cow slaughter law was introduced when Prime Minister Narendra Modi served as the state's Chief Minister, and said that over the past year, convictions in 15 cow slaughter cases had resulted in sentences ranging from seven years' imprisonment to life imprisonment. He warned those involved in such activity to cease or leave the state. He also praised the community's tradition of mass marriages, saying collective weddings — including those of community leaders' own children — save time and money while strengthening unity.

Community Honours and Felicitations

Young Bharwad members honoured Sanghavi with traditional symbols including a stick, turban and waistcoat. Faculty members providing free coaching to community youth for competitive examinations were also felicitated with certificates. Prominent attendees included Lakhabhai Bharwad, Rajabhai Bharwad and Bharatbhai Budheliya from Bhavnagar, along with youth representatives, community leaders and Amin JCB representatives.

The programme signals a broader community-driven model of economic inclusion that could serve as a template for other pastoral communities navigating the shift from traditional to modern livelihoods.