This UP Dalit woman spreads light of learning

But sheer dedication and determination made her attain new heights, and now she teaches Dalit women in Gorakhpur district.

Meena, who is from the village of Mohanpur in the state, is now called a “mastarni” (lady teacher), and she trains women in different villages. The sessions are organised by a voluntary organisation engaged in the field of educating women.

“So far I have taught about 100 women in various villages...these women were illiterate earlier and were not aware of their rights. But now they can read and write and are also aware of their rights,” Meena said.

She added: “My husband, who was addicted to liquor, used to thrash me regularly... my life was confined to the kitchen.”

But all changed after Meena attended a literacy camp organised by an NGO in her village. Since then she has never looked back. She attended the camp despite opposition from her husband.

Her dedication made the organisers offer her special training, and within a short span of time Meena picked up.

She was soon entrusted with the task of holding literacy camps for illiterate women belonging to the Dalit community in various villages.

Meena also attends women panchayats where she gives lessons on atrocities against women. Her lessons are an eye-opener for women, and in many cases she successfully united several estranged couples.

“I try to impress upon women, especially those from the Dalit community, the benefits of acquiring knowledge,” she said.

She knows quite a lot about rules pertaining to human rights, and she imparts information about them to other women.