Our work with

Nari Gunjan

Working for the Cause:

Working towards

For the Musahar, Dalit Community, under the leadership of Sudha Varghese; in Bihar

About

Nari Gunjan is an organization dedicated to empowering women in the Patna, Gaya, Purnea, and Saran districts of Bihar. It represents marginalized women, including Dalit, landless individuals, and agricultural laborers of the Musahar Community. This organization was founded when rural women from grassroots communities came together to share their experiences and support each other in their collective struggles.

The mission of Nari Gunjan aligns with our own mission: to provide education to underprivileged sections of society, particularly Dalits, women, and children, with the aim of integrating them into mainstream society and improving their lives.

At Joy of Helping, we firmly believe that every child, without exception, has the fundamental right to access free and high-quality education up to the age of 14. This education should be provided on the basis of equal opportunity, devoid of discrimination based on caste, class, gender, or religion. Our approach fosters a nurturing and caring environment with appropriate facilities that facilitate joyful learning. We focus on educating Dalit children to help them overcome the challenges of illiteracy, socio-economic disadvantages, and cultural constraints.

Thanks to the relentless efforts of Nari Gunjan, young girls and boys from the Musahar community now eagerly pursue education in their respective areas and villages. They serve as role models, inspiring families from other communities to enroll their children in Nari Gunjan’s educational centers.

This educational initiative has also sparked an increased awareness of health and hygiene within these communities. People now understand the importance of cleanliness, hygiene, and sanitation.

It is the shared responsibility of teachers, parents, and civil society to advocate for and exert pressure on the government to fulfill its obligations.

Additionally, it is their duty to actively support and facilitate the realization of the right to education for underprivileged and marginalized children, particularly those who are in bonded labor or facing deprivation.

Young boys and girls from the Musahar community are enthusiastic about pursuing education in their respective areas and villages. They also serve as motivators for other communities, encouraging them to send their children to educational centers.

Furthermore, our collective efforts aim to reduce the prevalence of child marriage, child labor, child abuse, and domestic violence. By doing so, we aspire to uplift the Dalit communities from the grips of backwardness and illiteracy, fostering a brighter and more equitable future for all.

Work

Significant emphasis has been placed on the education of Dalit youth, particularly those in the 10th grade, with the aim of leveraging available reservation quotas to access better employment opportunities. This initiative is driven by a strong commitment to societal accountability.

  • Education is regarded as the cornerstone for transformation and progress, especially for children and women, particularly girls.
  • Efforts have been made to raise awareness about health, encompassing preventive, curative, and promotive aspects, while also promoting knowledge of herbal and home remedies. Reproductive health, especially among Dalits and economically disadvantaged sections of society, is a focal point.
  • A resolute stance against violence and any form of discrimination against women is a key aspect of our mission.
  • Initiatives have been taken to empower women economically, fostering independence and self-confidence.
  • Leadership qualities among women are actively promoted, and potential leaders are encouraged to pursue decision-making roles, particularly in advocating for the rights of Scheduled Castes against caste-based violence and discrimination.

Impact of Project Supported by Joy of Helping

Joy of Helping is dedicated to ensuring every child’s fundamental right to free and quality education up to the age of 14, promoting equal opportunities without discrimination based on caste, class, gender, or religion. Our focus is on providing education to Dalit children, addressing issues such as illiteracy, socio-economic challenges, and cultural constraints.

Through Nari Gunjan’s efforts, Musahar community children now enthusiastically pursue education, motivating others to join Nari Gunjan’s education centers. This initiative has also led to increased awareness of health and hygiene in these communities.

Furthermore, our ongoing efforts aim to reduce child marriage, child labor, child abuse, and domestic violence, uplifting Dalit communities from the grips of backwardness and illiteracy.

Support Provided to Nari Gunjan till 2020

Notable achievements in the realm of education for children till 2020 include: Consistent annual growth in children’s enrollment in primary schools across 120 villages in our project area. Successful results from special coaching programs aimed at high school students, equipping them with the skills and knowledge they need. Supplementary education ...

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Self Defence Program with Nari Gunjan 2021

Teaching Karate to women from lower castes Sudha Ji, the founder of Nari Gunjan, felt that Karate would give the Dalit girls more self-confidence and to fight for their rights and sexual abuses. The results were outstanding, and the girls became so skillful that they won five gold, five silver, ...

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Education Program with Nari Gunjan in 2021

Aim of Dalit Children Access to Education, Equity, and Liberation We believe that is the fundamental Right of every child without exception to receive free and quality education up to the age of 14 based on an equal opportunity, without the discrimination based on caste, class, gender, or religion in ...

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Program for Abandoned Children with Nari Gunjan in 2021

Nari Gunjan worked diligently with children who had been neglected and abandoned, extending a caring hand to babies who were unwanted and disposed of shortly after their birth, as well as to toddlers aged around 2 or 3 years who had been left on trains or at bus stations. Our ...

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Agriculture by the Landless with Nari Gunjan in 2021

Mushahar Women on leased land It’s akin to a small-scale revolution that Mushahar women from Phulwari, Bihta, and Punpun Blocks proudly identify themselves as members of the National Forum for Women Farmers. The genesis of this transformative movement traces back to 2016, following the Bihar Government’s proclamation of an Alcohol ...

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Educating Children of Musahar Community with Nari Gunjan in 2023

The literacy rate among women was as low as 1%, with men only slightly better at around 3%. It was clear that their children were not attending school, highlighting the urgent need for intervention. To tackle this issue, Nari Gunjan, since 1986 has taken up the initiative to establish educational ...

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