Aruvappulam panchayat in Kerala's Pathanamthitta hit headlines in 2020 when Reshma Mariyam Roy became the youngest panchayat head in India at 21. For the new term, her successor, Reshma B, 26, an M.Com student and a Singari melam performer, became the first-ever local body representative from Kokkathodu tribal area to be elected as the president. She was the lone candidate from the SC community fielded by the Congress in the panchayat for the elections. 

Growing up in the remote forest area of Kokkathod, Reshma never imagined she would enter politics, let alone become the president of Aruvappulam panchayat. But with the same eagerness with which she has said yes to new opportunities throughout her life, she agreed to contest in the 2025 local body polls.

"I’ve always believed in saying yes to new experiences, even when life throws obstacles my way," said Reshma. "I grew up in a small, tight-knit community. Like all the children here, I had to travel 10 kilometres daily to attend school after the 10th standard. I completed my BSc at a cooperative college in Pathanamthitta in 2018, but due to financial difficulties, I had to work for a couple of years before pursuing my M.Com. My father passed away five years ago. My mother is a homemaker, and my uncle, who lives with us, is a daily wage labourer. Financial struggles have been real, but we manage," she said.

A first-time candidate stepping into politics was a leap for Reshma. “I never imagined I would one day be involved in politics, but I have always wanted to serve my community. My family has favoured the Congress and occasionally attends its programs, but nothing official. I worked with the Balasabha president and engaged in other community activities. That’s probably how I became familiar with the party and how my name came up," Reshma said.

As the president of the panchayat, one of her key concerns is addressing the human-animal conflict that has affected local farmers and residents. "During campaigning, I visited areas I had never been to before, like the two Unnathis. Now that I’m in a position to help, I want to work towards the development of these areas, especially protecting our farmers and preventing further human-animal conflict," she says.

As a Dalit woman, she says she has managed to steer clear of stereotypes. "I haven’t experienced much stereotyping, but I do believe my community’s support has been key," she added. "To feel the same sense of connection to my community, I eagerly said yes to learning chenda when my maternal aunt Kamalamma offered to teach me,” she said. For the next five years, Reshma performed with a local Melam troupe across Kerala and sometimes even in Tamil Nadu for wedding performances. Though the troupe disbanded as members went onto pursue higher education or jobs, Reshma’s passion for Melam has not faded. "I hope to reunite the group one day," she said. 

Her love for traditional arts doesn’t stop at percussion. Reshma has also embraced Kaikottikali. "This New Year, I performed Kaikottikali at the Konni Cultural Forum’s 31st Konni Festival. It was a beautiful way to celebrate both the New Year and my birthday," she said. "These activities are more than just hobbies to me. It’s a sense of togetherness. I’ve always been an introvert and withdrawn, but participating in Melam and Kaikottikali, and running a campaign, have helped me step out of my shell. They’ve made me more confident and open to new experiences," Reshma said.

"I may not know much about politics yet, but I’m here to learn and to serve my community. I believe we can make a real difference," she added.