Inspiring Triumph: Four Tribal Girls Overcome Odds to Pass Class 10 Examination

In a heartwarming achievement, four remarkable girls from the poverty-stricken village of Sahebdanga in Bolpur, Birbhum, have defied all hardships to become the first among women in their village to pass the Class 10 examination. Basanti Tudu, Latika Murmu, Meeru Hansda, and Sumitra Tudu have emerged as beacons of determination, showcasing their unwavering spirit in the face of adversity.

Their journey was not an easy one. Having lost their fathers at a young age, they were forced to join their mothers as daily wage earners. Despite the grueling routine, they remained resolute in their pursuit of education. Latika, a student at Bolpur Paruldanga Shikshaniketan, recalls the challenges she faced. "It was a tough situation. After working all day as a laborer, I would sit with my textbooks. Fatigue would make me sleepy, but my determination to pass the Class 10 examination kept me awake. No girl from our village had ever appeared in the board examination before."

The achievement of these four girls holds significant importance for their community. The total literacy rate in the Bolpur Sriniketan Block, where Latika's village is located, stands at 70.67%, with a female literacy rate of 56.55%. Basanti, Meeru, and Sumitra also shared similar struggles, including a lack of accessible transportation to the nearest high school, which was four kilometers away. They had to traverse three fields without any shelter during scorching summers and rainy monsoons. But their hardships were overshadowed by the joy of finding their names on the list of successful candidates.

Basanti's mother, Lakhhi Tudu, herself a daily laborer, expressed her pride and disbelief. "None of our family members had ever studied before. We could never have imagined our daughter appearing in the Class 10 examination. Her sheer willpower has triumphed."

The determined quartet aims to inspire other girls in the village to pursue their education. They understand the challenges faced by many who are forced to abandon their studies due to poverty. Their resolve is to create awareness about the importance of education and provide support to ensure no one is deprived of the opportunity to attend school.

The village's development has recently been taken under the wing of a welfare organization, Radhamohan Foundation. Budhhishwar Mondal, a member of the organization, acknowledges the impact of the girls' success, stating, "The village lacks basic facilities, and the achievements of these four girls are truly an inspiration for others."

This heartening story of triumph showcases the power of education and determination in overcoming adversities. It stands as a reminder that with unwavering dedication, even the most challenging circumstances can be surmounted.

(Originally reported at The New Indian Express)