Gadis lead the way to prosperity with innovation, hard work

Despite facing challenging circumstances, several families in Gohalwar village have managed to establish successful businesses that not only provide them with substantial earnings but also create employment opportunities for many other families in the village. These families, famously known as “Gadis” (cart operators), have made a business out of trading “turi” (dry fodder made from wheat residue).

Most of these families belong to non-Jatt backgrounds and over 50 years ago, they started their business by using bull carts. Over time, they upgraded to tractor-trolleys.. In the beginning, these families faced financial hardships as they came from backward castes, but they found a way to earn a livelihood and ultimately led more comfortable lives through their innovative business.

Gohalwar, situated on the main GT Road, has allowed some families to educate their next generation, but many struggled to access higher education for their children. As a result, they had to rely on alternative ways to make a living.

Around 50 years ago, these families began collecting wheat residue (turi) during the wheat-harvesting season. They stored it and sold it during the off-season in nearby towns like Amritsar and Tarn Taran, which are just about 10 kilometres away.

Back in those days, the only way to transport turi was via bull carts and these families became known as “Gadis” (owners of bull carts). The area where most of the families involved in this business reside is known as “Gadian di Gali” in the village, where around 40 to 50 families live. Gajjan Singh, one of the heads of this business, explained that the Gadis purchase turi from various parts of Punjab, especially Ferozepur, and sell it to local rice mills, although they often sell it at higher prices in markets like Jammu.

Gajjan Singh said that tractor-trolleys have replaced the old bull carts. Today, the turi business operates year-round, unlike the seasonal business it once was. All the Gadis now own their own tractor-trolleys and they travel at night to avoid traffic disruptions while transporting their loaded trolleys.

Besides this thriving business, the residents of Gohalwar have also benefited from their village’s strategic location on the Tarn Taran-Amritsar road (GT Road), which provides easy access to urban areas. Many villagers, including daily wage labourers, find work in nearby urban centres. Numerous industries have also opened along this road.

The women of the village also benefit from employment in these commercial units, helping families make ends meet. The villagers are also availing themselves of benefits from the NREGA.

Amritsar