Rita devi a fearless woman.|
A Dalit Woman’s Inspiring Journey: The Story of Rita Devi.
- Educational Services by Ritadevi:
- She explains that Dalit children face discrimination from both their peers and teachers in school. They had to sit at the back of the classroom. And during the midday meal, they receive their food on separate plates. As a result, many children chose to leave school.
- Rita Devi spoke with the Principal and the Block Education Officer, counseled the children, and encouraged them to return to school.
- She successfully connected over 800 children from 15 villages to education. Today, Dalit children are gaining admission to schools that were previously inaccessible to them.
- She started a library in the village to help educate children. She established Bhim Library, which now has 200 volunteers who teach the children.
- Social Services by Ritadevi:
- She has struggled for justice for Dalit families whose lands were snatched away by bullies and returned to them.
- She assisted the Dalit community by providing housing, facilitating pensions for elders, building toilets, and more for about 400 people under the Chief Minister Housing Scheme.
- She educates people about fighting the legal battle against the atrocities of the upper castes. Her team includes advocates who explain and assist them in everything from registering the FIR to the court.
- People now approach her with their problems, including village heads who seek assistance with government tasks.
She says that development is still a dream for the people of Naran village. Farms are barren, and the land is rocky with rugged forests. Even today, there is no arrangement to go to the city, which is 35 kilometers away from the village.
Also Read:
>Historical Background and the Caste System
Enduring Discrimination
The caste system in India is a centuries-old social system that divides people based on their birth. Although untouchability has been constitutionally abolished, adverse effects continue even in the 21st century.
Modern-Day Implications
Although cities do not discriminate openly, this negative behavior exists indirectly. In rural areas, such discrimination is openly prevalent. Even today, Dalits encounter challenges in education, housing, and employment.
Also Read:
>Life in an Oppressive Village
A Stark Villager Experience
Rita Devi lives in an upper-caste-dominated village where oppressive traditions are a part of everyday life. In this village, Dalit families were isolated not only socially but also because of discriminatory practices related to land, property rights, and ownership of community spaces. A harsh lifestyle, narrow roads, rigid panchayat rules, and public humiliation were part of people’s daily lives.
Marginalization by Power
Upper-caste groups, particularly the Thakur Brahmins, controlled land registration and maintained social order. Their influence was so strong that Dalit families like the one Rita married into faced constant scrutiny and oppression.
Also Read:
>The Courage and Defiance of Rita Devi
A Catalyst for Change
After getting married and coming to the village, Rita Devi was very anxious and angry after seeing and experiencing the injustice and oppression of the upper caste. Once, a Dalit girl was kidnapped and raped by an upper-caste person, and then the girl was falsely accused of theft and harassed. This incident fueled the fire, and Rita Devi was determined to face this injustice. When Rita Devi passed through the village, she would carry a sickle in one hand and an axe in the other as a weapon so no one dared to confront her. She gathered the people of her community and started convincing them not to be afraid. Seeing her courage, many people in her community became aware.
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Facing Personal and Systemic Hardships
Rita Devi's personal life was also fraught with many difficulties. She faced financial hardship due to a lack of employment, inadequate support services, and the heartbreaking death of her daughter. In addition, she lost her parents. Transportation options were limited, forcing her to walk long distances. Despite facing humiliation and numerous hardships, Rita displayed remarkable strength and resilience. She proved to be an inspirational figure to her community.
Also Read:
>Activism and the Fight for Justice
Raising Awareness of Rights
In 2015, Rita Devi joined the Bundelkhand Dalit Adhikar Manch. Though she had limited formal education, she fearlessly went door-to-door to inform villagers about their legal rights and the importance of fighting discrimination. Her efforts particularly aimed to help Dalit children, who often faced prejudice even in educational institutions.
Inspiring the Community
Rita Devi stood up to the oppressive elements of her village and challenged the rules imposed on her in the name of tradition. She also inspired people in her community. Her Brave actions inspired other community members of her to reclaim their dignity and speak out against systemic injustice.
Also Read:
>Legacy and the Continuing Struggle
A Beacon of Resistance
Rita Devi's story is a testament to the enduring fight against caste-based injustice. Her life is a shining example of the power of courage and activism in disassembling deeply entrenched systemic oppression in society.
Moving Forward
Rita Devi's story is a testament to the enduring fight against caste-based injustice. Her life is a shining example of the power of courage and activism in disassembling deeply entrenched systemic oppression in society.
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