Published in Hindustan Times on November 19, 2010
Varanasi: In a world where child marriage continues to persist despite legislative bans, the urban slum of Baghwanala in Varanasi district stands as a beacon of change, thanks to the dedication of three young girls and the impact of community-driven organizations like People's Vigilance Committee on Human Rights (PVCHR) and JanMitra Nyas. Chanda, a 15-year-old girl from Baghwanala, is one of the pioneers of this transformation. Along with her peers Pooja and Jyoti, she leads the Munshi Prem Chandra Bal Panchayat, a local children’s council formed to empower young voices in advocating for their rights and combating social evils.
Chanda, alongside her co-leaders, boldly stages street plays and awareness campaigns against child marriage, directly challenging this age-old tradition. This grassroots activism has led to a remarkable reduction in child marriages in Baghwanala, where families are now turning towards education and opportunities for their children rather than pushing them into early marriage. As a result, Baghwanala has transformed into a model slum with 100% birth registration, full vaccination coverage, and educational access for all children.
A Global Impact Through Local Action
The Munshi Prem Chandra Bal Panchayat has not only changed the lives of the children in Baghwanala but has also garnered international attention. In a cross-cultural exchange program, the children of this Panchayat formed bonds with students from Roentgen High School in Remscheid, Germany. The partnership allowed for an exchange of ideas, bridging continents with the shared goal of learning and empowerment.
Inspired by the resilience and aspirations of the children, especially after personally visiting Baghwanala, Helma Ritscher, a representative from Germany, took steps to aid the community further. Recognizing the needs of the area, she organized support to build a community school and center for local weavers. Funded by various German organizations, including DIG Remscheid and the Indo-German Society, these initiatives have provided the community with a safe space for learning, economic growth, and social gathering. The project was further supported by the German Ministry for Generations, Family, Women, and Integration of North Rhine-Westphalia, reflecting the global solidarity extended toward Baghwanala.
Resisting Early Marriage: A New Era of Empowerment
While the TV serial Balika Vadhu portrays the plight of young brides, the story of Chanda and the girls in Baghwanala tells a different tale—a story of empowerment, resistance, and hope. Their message is clear: “I won’t marry young.” This slogan represents a silent but powerful movement of girls across communities like the Musahar and Banvasi, traditionally plagued by poverty-driven child marriages.
One such example is 17-year-old Vimla, a Musahar girl whose parents initially wanted to marry her off at the age of 13. With firm resolve, Vimla convinced her parents to let her continue her education, breaking away from the generational cycle of early marriage. Today, she dreams of becoming a teacher to uplift her community, where child marriage is often seen as a solution to poverty.
The Lasting Impact of PVCHR and JanMitra Nyas
The transformational work of PVCHR and JanMitra Nyas, under the leadership of social activists and advocates, has been central to these changes. By educating communities, providing essential resources, and fostering grassroots leadership, these organizations have not only prevented countless child marriages but also created an environment where young girls can dream of a future built on education, independence, and dignity.
A Model of Change for India
Baghwanala now serves as a model slum, showcasing what can be achieved through community mobilization, education, and support. The efforts of PVCHR, JanMitra Nyas, and the young leaders of the Munshi Prem Chandra Bal Panchayat exemplify a remarkable shift in attitudes toward gender equality, education, and children’s rights.
In an era where global communication is possible through programs like the Indo-German partnership, the work in Baghwanala not only changes lives locally but also fosters a sense of global unity and support.
Breaking Barriers: Chanda and Her Fight Against Child Marriage in Varanasi's Urban Slum by pvchr.india9214 on Scribd
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