From Adversity to Achievement: Seema’s Inspiring Story
| Lead Name | Seema Kumari (Age 22 Years) |
| Father’s Name | Late Chet Narayan Ravidas |
| Mother’s Name | Mrs Kalawati Devi (Age 45 years) |
| Occupation | Working in an NGO (Project Based Job) |
| Younger Sister | Swati Kumari (Age 20 years) |
| Occupation | Pursuing MA from Vinoba Bhave University and also working as Loan Recovery Agent in Reliance Relef Nidhi Pvt Ltd at Hazaribagh |
| Younger Brother | Sahil Ravi Das (Age 15 Years) |
| Studying at 11th Standard | |
| Younger Sister | Sanjana Kumari (Age 13 years) |
| Studying at 9th Standard | |
| Grandpa | Residing with the family |
Success Case Study: Seema Kumari
Introduction Seema Kumari, a 22-year-old resident of Gurhet village, Hazaribagh, belongs to the Ravidas community, a Scheduled Caste facing significant challenges in education and employment. Despite severe hardships following her father’s death in 2010, Seema has emerged as a role model for her family and community by securing a job as a Loan Recovery Agent at Reliance Relef Nidhi Pvt Ltd, Hazaribagh, while also pursuing her Master’s in History from Vinoba Bhave University.
Background Seema’s family includes her mother, Mrs. Kalawati Devi (45), who works on project-based assignments in an NGO; her younger sister, Swati Kumari (20), who is also pursuing her MA and works in the same company; her younger brother, Sahil Ravi Das (15), studying in 11th grade; and her younger sister, Sanjana Kumari (13), in 9th grade. The family’s financial situation became precarious after the passing of their father, Late Chet Narayan Ravidas. Despite the hardships, Seema’s mother worked tirelessly to support her children’s education, ensuring they had opportunities to break free from poverty.
Role of Career Counselling Classes Seema credits her success to the career counselling cum competitive examination preparation classes conducted by Naya Sawera Vikas Kendra at Bahoranpur. These classes provided holistic support, combining academic knowledge with essential life skills:
- Subject Preparation: Classes covered critical subjects like History, Geography, and Economics, alongside topics related to Jharkhand and current affairs. These topics played a pivotal role in her interview preparation.
- Life Skills: Communication skills and leadership development were integral components of the program. Seema’s experience as a leader representing girls from her village in various community activities enhanced her confidence, public speaking, and group management abilities.
- Practical Guidance: The classes provided insights into competitive exam requirements, eligibility criteria, and strategies for success, equipping Seema with the tools to excel.
Seema’s Achievement Among numerous candidates, Seema’s performance during the interview stood out due to her strong grasp of current affairs and her knowledge of Jharkhand-specific topics. Her selection as a Loan Recovery Agent is a significant milestone, ensuring financial stability for her family and inspiring others in her community. Seema’s leadership role during the classes also prepared her to manage professional responsibilities effectively.
Challenges for Scheduled Caste Girls in Jharkhand The journey for girls like Seema from the Ravidas community to secure jobs is fraught with challenges:
- Educational Disparities: According to the 2011 Census, Jharkhand’s female literacy rate is 55.42%, significantly lower than the male literacy rate of 76.84%.
- Employment Gaps: Data from the National Family Health Survey-5 (2021) indicates that women’s workforce participation in Jharkhand remains low, particularly for marginalized communities.
- Caste-Based Barriers: Scheduled Caste girls often face discrimination and social stigma, further limiting their access to education and employment.
- Limited Resources: The lack of targeted support programs and skill development initiatives hinders their ability to compete in the job market.
Impact of Initiatives Programs like the career counselling classes by Naya Sawera Vikas Kendra are crucial in bridging these gaps. By addressing both academic and life skill requirements, they empower girls to overcome systemic barriers.
Conclusion Seema’s story is a testament to the transformative power of education and skill development. Her achievement not only provides financial stability to her family but also inspires other girls in her community to pursue their dreams. As Seema continues her journey, she remains committed to supporting her siblings’ education and advocating for the empowerment of marginalized girls in Jharkhand.
Seema’s success highlights the importance of targeted interventions and community support in breaking the cycle of poverty and discrimination for Scheduled Caste girls in the state. With continued efforts, more girls like Seema can aspire to a brighter future.