The Unsung Heroine
Over 300 rural women from all over India attended the conference. At first they were shy and kept to themselves.
Slowly, they opened up, shared stories and experiences, participated and voiced opinions, sang, danced and rejoiced…
With their silent strength, these rural women, in the face of oppression, have risen to bring about the change in their
lives, homes, families and communities. We continue to learn from them everyday.
Janaki, Karnataka
'I am so thankful for this opportunity to be here at this wonderful conference. For many years I felt life was unfair and
that I had been dealt a bad deal. I suffered a lot and could only focus on my own troubles and myself. Then I did the
YLTP * course... Now I work for society, my health has improved and my focus is: 'What can I do to make a better world?'
Janvi, Orissa
'I was a shy and scared human being. 4 years ago I did the YLTP course and now I know I can do anything I set my heart
to. Today I am the 'sarpanch' (president) of our village governing body. Our team has touched the lives of 5000 women
in and around my village. My vision is to change the lives of all rural women in India.'
Eskalon, Tripura
'I thought I was nothing and had nothing. Then at 17 I did the YLTP course. Now, at 22, I work for the government,
* teach Breath Water Sound courses, form self-help groups for rural women and take care of two tribal schools. I now
have everything and need nothing more.'
Babita, student of Sri Sri Vidya Mandir Tribal School, Jhardkand
'I am so happy to be here. I study in SSRVM . I love my school. Besides academics, we also learn stitching, yoga, singing
and dancing. Earlier there was no school in my village, and that is why many children still do not attend. I go to their
homes and convince them to start coming to school. On holidays we teach the villagers about hygiene and cleanliness.
We plant trees. Come to my school. I will be so happy to look after all of you and show you around.'
Youth Leadership Training Programme (YLTP)
The Youth Leadership Training Program aims at training youngsters in a number of areas like health, hygiene,
education, solid waste management , housekeeping etc. and channeling their energy and talents into mobilizing and
strengthening people to work towards fulfilling their own community's needs.
Breath-Water-Sound
The Breath-Water-Sound teaches basic breathing techniques, satsangs and values of hygiene and harmony. Also called
the Nav Chetana Shibir it has been enthusiastically received in the villages and slums, enabling one and all to find more
harmony, joy and health.
Sri Sri Ravishankar Vidya Mandir (SSRVM)
Our Schools for underprivileged children focus on the child's over all personality development. The state curriculum is
taught in English but students learn the local languages as well. |
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