Class 12 Student Becomes Indore’s One-Day Mayor, Wins Hearts with Leadership and Empathy
Class 12 Student Becomes Indore’s One-Day Mayor, Wins Hearts with Leadership and Empathy
In a remarkable initiative blending education with real-world governance, a Class 12 student from Indore, Ananya Wadhwani, was given the rare opportunity to step into the shoes of the city’s mayor—for a day. This wasn’t just a symbolic gesture, but a hands-on experience meant to inspire civic responsibility, nurture leadership skills, and bridge the gap between young minds and administrative systems. What followed was a day filled with insight, inspiration, and impact that left Ananya, and those who witnessed it, deeply moved and motivated.
Ananya Wadhwani is a bright and socially aware student of Class 12 at The Emerald Heights International School, Indore. She currently serves as the President of her school’s “Girl Up Radha” club, actively advocating for gender equality and social awareness. Ananya has also been involved with prestigious youth engagement platforms like U20 (Urban-20), where young people contribute to urban policymaking conversations.
Her leadership journey took a surprising and inspiring turn when she was selected to serve as Indore’s One-Day Mayor, an honor she didn’t expect but embraced wholeheartedly. This opportunity came as part of the “Mayor for a Day” initiative launched by the Indore Municipal Corporation in 2023, with the goal of connecting students with city-level governance and helping them understand the complexities of public administration.
Ananya’s path to the mayor’s office began during a school event where Indore Mayor Pushyamitra Bhargav had been invited as a guest speaker. His speech resonated deeply with the students, but it was Ananya’s insightful question that stood out. She asked, “What has been the most difficult decision in your public service journey, and what did you learn from it?”
This question struck a chord with the Mayor. So much so, that he immediately announced Ananya’s nomination for the “Mayor for a Day” program, right then and there. Reflecting on that moment, Ananya shared, “He found my question meaningful and selected me on the spot. It was a proud moment I’ll always remember.”
Ananya’s day as Indore’s Mayor started early. She reached the Mayor’s office by 9 a.m. and was surprised to find him already engrossed in an official meeting—even while having breakfast. Describing her experience, she said, “It was both exciting and overwhelming. I saw how dedicated and focused he was, even early in the morning.”
Throughout the day, she observed how the Mayor managed different responsibilities—from administrative decisions to public interactions. “I learned a lot about how civic systems work, but even more about how those learnings can be used to improve one’s personal discipline and leadership,” Ananya added.
One incident during the day left a powerful impact on Ananya. Two differently-abled women, who had been selected to represent India in the Paralympics, approached the Mayor with a plea for financial assistance. Without delay, the Mayor provided them with the support they needed to pursue their dreams.
Ananya reflected on this moment, saying, “Watching him respond so quickly and compassionately taught me how important it is for a leader to be empathetic and act decisively when it truly matters.” She described this as one of the most important lessons she learned during the day—one that would stay with her for life.
For Ananya, this experience wasn’t just a one-time honor, but a personal turning point. “This day made me think deeply about who I want to become and how I can grow as a person,” she said. She saw it as an opportunity to transform herself and apply the leadership lessons she learned to her own life and future.
The initiative has drawn widespread appreciation from educators, civic leaders, and politicians alike. Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav called it “a remarkable step that helps prepare our youth for leadership roles in the future,” praising Ananya’s spirit and enthusiasm. The Madhya Pradesh Congress President Jitu Patwari also welcomed the move, urging the government to ensure that such opportunities are extended to students from all socio-economic backgrounds across the state.
