Jyoti joined Jan Mitra Nyas’ non-formal school at Baghawanala when she was just six years old. As the first learner in her family, she pursued her education with determination, completing up to grade five at the non-formal school before progressing to formal education, eventually earning her post-graduate degree in sociology. Today, at 28 years old, Jyoti is not only a staff member of Jan Mitra Nyas but also a board member, working on maternal and neonatal health projects in the slum of Bazardiha.
Her journey reached new heights when she was selected for the Norway-based Fontes Foundation’s Fellowship under the South Youth Exchange program of the Norwegian Agency for Exchange Cooperation (NOREC). This fellowship allowed Jyoti to expand her horizons and gain international exposure, further enhancing her ability to serve her community.
Jan Mitra Nyas, since its inception in 1996, has educated and empowered over 7,000 individuals like Jyoti. The organization’s founder, Lenin Raghuvanshi, emphasizes the importance of life skills in changing knowledge, attitudes, and practices for a better world and a more dignified life. Through their comprehensive programs in education, IT, health, and child protection, Jan Mitra Nyas has reached over 3 million people across Varanasi, Sonbhadra, Badaun, Ambedkarnagar, and Koderma districts.
Lenin Raghuvanshi, a prominent Neo-Dalit Rights Activist and Human Rights Advocate co-founded the People’s Vigilance Committee on Human Rights (PVCHR) to create awareness and provide direct support against social evils like child marriage. PVCHR has been instrumental in training and encouraging young activists like Jyoti to raise their voices against societal injustices.
One notable incident involved three young girls from Baghawanala—Pooja, Jyoti, and Chanda—who bravely opposed the child marriage of a 13-year-old girl named Maneesha. With the support of the Munshi Premchandra Bal Panchayat and the Kishori Baithak, they successfully prevented illegal marriage and created widespread awareness against child marriage in their community. Their courageous efforts were recognized and honored by various organizations and local authorities.
The success of these young activists is a beacon of hope and a model of resilience against the culture of silence that has plagued their communities for centuries. Jan Mitra Nyas continues to empower the youth through innovative programs and international collaborations, fostering a new generation of leaders committed to social justice and equality.
As Jyoti Kumari and her husband Vikas embark on their new journey together, blessed by Mahadev and Goddess Parvati in the holy month of Sawan, we extend our heartfelt congratulations and best wishes to the newlyweds. Jyoti’s journey from a slum to an empowered leader is a shining example of what can be achieved with dedication, support, and the right opportunities.
#Congratulations #JourneyOfSuccess #JanMitraNyas #CRY #TataTrust #ParulSharma #NORECFellow #Blessings #NewBeginnings #HolyMonthOfSawan #Newlyweds #BestWishes #BrightFuture #spendongirls #girlpower
Additional Resources:
- Chanda, Rising Young Star
- Times of India: Girls Say "I Won't Do Kitchen"
- PVCHR: Children's Initiative Against Child Marriage
- Baghawanala Bal Panchayat Story
- YouTube: Baghawanala Bal Panchayat
- Beyond Headlines: Baghawanala Bal Panchayat
Too early to wed
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