Uma Rajesh Thakur’s journey highlights the transformative power of education. Growing up in Ranipur, Nandurbar, she faced a daily 13-kilometer commute to Kuber High School in Maswad. Despite the distance and challenges, Uma’s determination and commitment to learning remained unwavering, showcasing her resilience and dedication to overcoming obstacles in pursuit of education. Uma’s parents, although with limited resources, always placed education at the heart of their family values. Her father, a forest guard, and her mother, an entrepreneur, both worked hard to ensure Uma had the opportunities to pursue her academic dreams. Their unwavering belief in her potential laid the foundation for Uma’s drive to overcome the challenges that came her way.
“My parents always told me that education is the only way to break free from the cycle of hardship. That belief has always kept me moving forward,” Uma recalls, reflecting on the inspiration they provided.
CYDA’s Intervention
Despite the daily struggles of traveling and the limitations of living in a rural area, Uma was determined not to let circumstances define her. It was at CYDA’s Community Resource Centre that she found a platform that nurtured her growth, not just academically, but personally as well. The programs at CYDA gave Uma the confidence to speak out, develop new skills, and build a sense of purpose that would later drive her to give back to her community.
Transformation through Education and Menstrual Hygiene Awareness
One of Uma’s most significant achievements was her involvement in CYDA’s Menstrual Hygiene Management (MHM) awareness sessions, where she became a beacon of change in her community. Recognizing the lack of knowledge and conversation around menstrual health in her village and neighboring areas like Ambapur, Ganur Maswad, Kerala Pani, Nazirini, and Sambalpani, Uma took the initiative to organize sessions for adolescent girls and young women.
“Talking about menstrual hygiene was considered taboo, but I knew this was something I needed to do for the girls in my community,” Uma says, recalling the initial resistance she faced. Despite the social barriers and discomfort surrounding the topic, Uma’s dedication and persistence led to the creation of a supportive network. Her sessions not only raised awareness about health but also fostered a sense of shared responsibility among community members to support each other’s well-being.
Success knocked on the doors of Uma
Uma’s academic journey also saw a remarkable transformation, thanks to CYDA’s remedial education programs. She saw a 40% improvement in her grades, a testament to her hard work and the holistic approach to learning provided by CYDA. In addition, Uma honed valuable skills, such as computer literacy and strategic thinking through games like chess and carrom, which further enriched her capabilities. These skills have opened doors to future opportunities, especially in an increasingly digital world.
Today, Uma’s story is one of empowerment and leadership. She has not only overcome the personal challenges of distance and socio-economic barriers but has used her education to make a lasting impact on her community. Her advocacy for health awareness, combined with her academic achievements, underscores how education can be a catalyst for positive social change.
Uma’s journey highlights the profound impact of education in nurturing leaders and change-makers. “Education has given me the strength to not just face my challenges but to use them as stepping stones to lift others,” she says, reflecting on how her personal growth has allowed her to empower others.
(This article is contributed by Kalyani Mudaliar, Documentation officer at CYDA)
