The quirky village that straddles two states
The village of Sajanpur is an anomaly – it navigates the crossroads of two states, Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat, forging its own path and celebrating its diversity.
If Madhya Pradesh is the beating heart of India, a part of it bleeds in Gujarat.
That’s Sajanpur, a village that defies conventional administrative boundaries. With a population of approximately 1,200 people, Sajanpur finds itself in a unique position – officially falling under the administrative jurisdiction of Alirajpur district in Madhya Pradesh, despite being enveloped by Gujarat on all sides.
This geographical and administrative anomaly is akin to almost 200 enclaves of land that straddle Bangladesh and India – located in one country but officially belonging to the other. Established by a treaty between two former princely states, the 106 Indian enclaves in Bangladesh and 92 Bangladeshi enclaves in India were islands of foreign territory inside each country, most of them close to the official border. Both nations swapped these enclaves nine years ago.
But no such luck for Sajanpur, where a signboard in Gujarati urges drivers to slow down, hinting at the countryside ahead. Another board lists names of neighbouring Gujarati villages, subtly weaving Sajanpur into the fabric of Gujarat’s geography. But Sajanpur belongs to Madhya Pradesh.
Orphaned village
For many villagers this anomaly leaves them feeling they don’t belong to one or the other state, like Ramesh Chaukhan. The 38-year-old shared his concerns to Village Square while drawing water from a hand pump.
“We feel neglected by both Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh authorities. It feels like we’re left orphaned. However, during Madhya Pradesh elections, we suddenly become visible to politicians seeking votes,” he lamented, highlighting the transient attention the village receives.
Education in Sajanpur offers a bilingual blend, reflecting its geographical duality. Children grow up speaking both Gujarati and Hindi, navigating through linguistic barriers in their daily lives.
“When we travel to Gujarat, Hindi doesn’t help much, so knowing Gujarati becomes essential,” shared Aarti, a young girl from the village. Yet, the government school in Sajanpur sticks to Hindi, adding another layer of complexity to their learning.
Anomalies from education to elections
Sajanpur’s peculiar situation extends to electoral dynamics as well. Located about 3km from the Madhya Pradesh border, it turns into a quiet spectator during elections in Gujarat, belonging geographically to one state but politically to another.
Dr Abhay Arvind Bedekar, collector of Alirajpur district, emphasised the administration’s efforts to bridge this gap. “Last year, we embarked on missions across Gujarat to connect with migrant voters from Alirajpur, including villagers from Sajanpur. Despite its location, we ensure the village is not overlooked, extending various schemes to its residents,” he asserted, underlining the commitment to support Sajanpur despite its unusual circumstances.
Infrastructure and access to basic amenities are also a challenge. The village’s peculiar position has often led to delays in implementing state-driven projects, with each government assuming the other will take the lead.
“Getting consistent water supply and road repairs takes longer because of the jurisdiction issues,” explained Arjun Patel, a 36-year-old farmer, highlighting the logistical challenges of living in Sajanpur. The villagers often come together to address these issues, showcasing their community spirit in the face of administrative ambiguity.
Rich tapestry of two states
Despite the administrative hurdles, the villagers exhibit remarkable adaptability. The cultural blend here is not just linguistic but extends to festivals, food, and customs, creating a rich tapestry that embodies the essence of both states.
We celebrate Diwali and Holi with a unique blend of cultural elements from both states.
said Meena, a shopkeeper whose store is a microcosm of the village’s diverse cultural identity. This amalgamation of cultures not only makes Sajanpur unique but also serves as a bridge between the two states, fostering a sense of unity and shared heritage among its residents.
The story of Sajanpur is also a narrative of hope and persistence. Youngsters in the village, like Aarti, dream of bridging the gap between the two states through education and technology. “I want to study computer engineering and develop apps that can help villages like ours get better access to information and services,” she said.
Her ambition reflects the aspirations of many in Sajanpur, who see their unique situation not as a barrier but as a call to innovate and thrive. The villagers’ ability to adapt and flourish, despite the oddities of their geographical and political identity, offers a powerful lesson in unity and determination.
The lead image at the top shows a woman from the village, dressed in a beautiful Gujarati outfit, stands in front of huts decorated in traditional Gujarati style. Interestingly, her voter ID card states she is from Madhya Pradesh.
Akansha Deshmukh is an independent investigative journalist who operates mainly in central India. (Photo by Ashwin Acharya)
