Written By: Swapna Sarita Mohanty
Nestled in the remote expanses of Rajasthan are small hamlets like Bherwai, located 6 kilometers from Kotri in Ajmer, and settlements near the RIICO industrial area in Parbatsar. These communities are home to the Kalbeliya people, a nomadic tribe renowned for their traditional dance and music. Comprising about 70 households, they have long grappled with the absence of basic amenities such as electricity, clean water, and education. Their primary livelihood revolves around performing the Kalbeliya dance, often in exchange for essentials like rice, which barely sustain them. For generations, the prospect of quality education and improved living standards has remained an unattainable dream.
This narrative began to change a year ago when Manthan Sanstha identifying the pressing needs of these communities and launched a night school tailored specifically for the women, enabling them to attend classes after completing their daily chores.
Initially met with reluctance and hesitation, the women gradually warmed up to the idea of education. Today, the night school stands as a beacon of hope and transformation, with all 70 women from these communities participating actively. The change in their lives is profound, as education has unlocked opportunities, they never thought possible.
Women who once struggled with basic literacy are now confidently running small businesses. Several have opened home-based shops, using their newfound skills to manage inventory and maintain records. Others are earning livelihoods through wheat-grinding machines, tailoring, and other entrepreneurial ventures.
The school employs a practical, hands-on approach to learning. Local professionals, such as police officers, bank managers, and the village sarpanch, are invited to share their expertise and provide insights into how various systems function within the community’s ecosystem.
The impact has been life changing. One woman named Sarju Devi shared, “I used to struggle to read even the name of the bus route. Today, I can travel alone, run a small shop, manage its finances, and keep records. This school has been life-changing, and I’m excited to learn English to explore new opportunities.” Another woman Sanju Devi, who now operates a wheat grinding machine reflected, “I feel empowered. I used to be a housewife, but now, contributing financially gives me a sense of independence.”
The journey of these women is a testament to the resilience of women and the profound impact that targeted, grassroots initiatives can have in bridging gaps of inequality and deprivation. As the women of this small communities continue to learn and grow, they offer a shining example of how education can change lives, one household at a time.