Patherwa

Patherwa
Village
Patherwa Location in Uttar Pradesh, India
Coordinates: 26.689°N 84.108°E / 26.689; 84.108
Country	India
State	Uttar Pradesh
District	Kushinagar
Languages
• Official	Hindi and Urdu
Time zone	UTC+5:30 (IST)
PIN	274401
Vehicle registration	UP-57

Patherwa is a village in Kushinagar district, previously Deoria district, Uttar Pradesh, India. Situated along National Highway 28, it lies approximately 4 kilometers from Fazilnagar. Historically part of the Deoria district, Patherwa was incorporated into the newly formed Kushinagar district in 1994. The village is approximately 80 kilometers from the city of Gorakhpur and 25 kilometers east of the internationally renowned Buddhist pilgrimage site of Kushinagar, where Lord Buddha is believed to have attained Mahaparinirvana.

Demographics and Socio-Religious Fabric

Patherwa is a predominantly agricultural village, with the majority of its residents engaged in farming. The village's proximity to National Highway 28 provides it with good connectivity to major towns and cities in the region. The local economy is also supplemented by various small businesses and services catering to the needs of the village and surrounding areas.

The population of Patherwa is characterized by a blend of Hindu and Muslim communities, contributing to the socio-cultural diversity of the area. The presence of multiple mosques within the village reflects the significant Muslim presence and the importance of Islam in the local community. This harmonious coexistence of Hindu temples and Islamic mosques underscores the inclusive nature of Patherwa's community, where both religions play a significant role in the daily lives of the villagers. The socio-religious fabric of the village is a testament to the peaceful coexistence and mutual respect between the two communities.

Education

Patherwa demonstrates a commitment to education, as reflected in its literacy rates and educational institutions. According to the 2011 Census, the overall literacy rate of Patherwa village was approximately 65.52%, which is slightly lower than the average literacy rate of Uttar Pradesh, 67.68%. Male literacy stood at 75.56%, while female literacy was at 54.72%. This gender disparity in literacy, although common in many parts of rural India, highlights an area where further improvements can be focused.

The village is home to two Intermediate Colleges: Shri Nehru Inter College and Navjeevan Inter College. Additionally, Patherwa has a Kanya (Girls') High School, and several primary and middle schools, indicating a multi-tiered educational structure. These institutions play a crucial role in providing education to the local population and contribute to the gradual improvement in literacy rates.

Migration and NRIs

Like many rural areas in India, Patherwa has witnessed migration of its residents to metropolitan cities in search of better economic and educational opportunities. Cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Bangalore are common destinations for people from Patherwa seeking employment in various sectors, including construction, manufacturing, and service industries.

In addition to internal migration, a number of individuals from Patherwa have also migrated abroad, contributing to the Non-Resident Indian (NRI) population. These NRIs often work in countries in the Middle East, Southeast Asia, Europe, and North America, remitting their earnings back to their families in Patherwa. These remittances play a crucial role in supporting families and contributing to the local economy. The presence of NRIs also exposes the village to global cultures and ideas, potentially influencing social and economic development.

Infrastructure

Basic amenities in the village include a police station, a branch of Punjab National Bank, a government homeopathic hospital, and numerous private healthcare facilities.

Historical Significance

While Patherwa itself may not be widely known for major historical events, its location in the Kushinagar district places it within a region steeped in ancient history. The proximity to Kushinagar, a pivotal site in Buddhism, suggests that the area around Patherwa may have been influenced by the spread of Buddhism in ancient India. The region was historically part of various kingdoms and empires, including the Mauryan, Gupta, and Mughal empires, each leaving their mark on the cultural landscape. The Muslim community of Patherwa likely has roots dating back several centuries, further enriching the historical tapestry of the village.