It is a rare and precious honor if a nation’s top leader lauds one.

In China, President Xi Jinping has given a personal thumbs-up to many Chinese individuals, especially during the Two Sessions where delegates from all walks of life have gathered in Beijing for the most important political meeting.

In China, “Party Chief” is an important and honorary job. However, at the grassroots level, the job is more about solving the everyday problems of local residents. Although their work often goes unreported and many of them are not well known, President Xi praised several Party chiefs at the grassroots level.

Photo of Zhu Guoping (left)

National People’s Congress (NPC) deputy Zhu Guoping, Party chief of Hongchu community in Changning District, Shanghai, has been working at her post since 1991. For 28 years, her phone has been open 24/7 to the public to resolve to their problems. Her dedication not only won her the title of “Community Premier,” but also recognition by President Xi.

For NPC deputy Zhao Huijie, her jobs in Chifeng, north China’s Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, are less about household quarrels and residential construction and more about villagers’ living standards.

As Party chief of Xiaomiaozi Village in Chifeng, Zhao has been working to introduce more business opportunities, such as modern farming and tourism, to combat poverty. During last year’s Two Sessions, the president praised Zhao’s presentation at a group discussion chaired by President Xi.

Photo of Zhao Huijie (left)

“President Xi then asked me more questions about our village. It was very heartwarming and inspiring to see the nation’s top leader care for ordinary people like us,” Zhao said.

President Xi also recognized Kelsang Dolkar, Party chief of Mata Village in Lhasa, southwest China’s Tibet Autonomous Region, after her report at the NPC group discussion in 2013. She also shared the exciting moment with her villagers.

Now, the last 26 households in the village that were living under the poverty line are out of poverty, Kelsang Dolkar said, and by last year, the per capita annual income of the village has reached 22,000 yuan.

“We will work harder with our own hands to lead a better life,” the NPC deputy said.

Photo of Kelsang Dolkar