As strange as it may sound, education was the crime the young girls of Danapur commited to become devadasis. And some have already become mothers.
   Galemma (22), Annapurna (23) and Sharada (22) are devadasis of Danapur village who have studied up to second year pre-university. In fact, Sharada passed second PU in second class. They were forced into the Devadasi system while they were studying.
   Hanumakka (22) was fortunate to escape from the devadasi trap before she was pushed into it. She was rescued by an NGO called Sakhi -- an NGO working for the uplift of young girls. She has completed TCH course and is now working as a social worker for an NGO called Prerna.
   Her family is still waiting to make her a Devadasi once she returns to her village. 
   But Hanumakka has admitted two of her sisters in a hostel to preven them from falling into the trap. Her mother and two brothers still live in the village. One of the brothers is dumb and used to work as a bonded labourer. Fortunately he was rescued by his mother and now both brothers work in the mines as daily labourers. This is how her family lives in the village.
   In the family of Laxmi (22) who has completed PUC second year preparations are on to make her a Devadasi. Galemma and Annapurna helplessly say that no one can rescue Laxmi.
   If the farmers of Danapur have become disillusioned after having sold their fields to miners, the daily labourers are even more disillusioned. They do not have employment opportunities.
Career option
   Ironically familes in the village reason that the best career option for educated girls is to make them Devadasis as it is hard to find an educated groom in the village.  Besides these girls cannot escape the lustful eyes of the rich.
   Sakhi coordinator K Bhagyalaxmi says these girls cannot escape from the devadasi system unless they become economically independent.
   Her organisation identifies girls who could fall into the devadasi system and rescues them by giving them education. So far her organisation has rescued more than 25 girls. But this is like a mustard seed.
   They cannot break free from the system with mere lectures. There is need for political will to address the issue, she adds.