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| Sr.Sudha Varghese, Nari Gunjan, Danapur, Bihar |
Low caste Musahars of Bihar were living in abject misery when a nun from Kerala landed there in 1969. Sr.Sudha Varghese soon realized that she had been sent to this world to serve these unfortunate ones.
As she delved deeply into their misfortune, she realized the need to acquaint herself with legal knowledge. So in 1989, this graduate in English and History from Mysore University obtained an LL.B to strengthen the Musahars’ struggle for dignity.
Once a gang of goondas barged into her home and threatened to finish her off. But she told them that if she is killed, a hundred Sudhas will rise up to fight for justice.
Nari Gunjan, the organization under her runs about 80 educational institutions where about 1500 Musahar girls study. Tailoring, embroidery, making plates made of leaves etc are taught here.
When she started her service among the community, she realized that shuttling between Patna and Danapur would take up a lot of her valuable time. She soon found a solution for this. It was to build a two-room thatched house at Jamsot village. One of the rooms was her office and the only luxuary item in it was an electric bulb. She lived in this house for 20 years before shifting to Prerana - a hostel for musahar girls - this year.
Eldest of 8 children of a farmer’s family from Kottayam, Sr.Varghese realized even as a child that she was different from others. While others laboured to satisfy their desires, she spent her time thinking of ways to help the marginalized in society.
The advocate in blue sari, black headdress and light brown woolen blouse riding on a bicycle is a familiar site in Danapur. The Padmashree that was conferred on her recently, has only added to her dedication.
Courtesy:
Kanayya Bhallari (text), Vanitha, April 15-30, 2007
Contributed by: Administrator
