Savriti is loved by all. From fighting superstitions to helping other women become independent, Savitri represents the true strength of an empowered woman.
In a traditional patriarchal society, where the identity and value of a woman is determined through her husband, widowhood is about much more than losing a husband. From changing the way she dresses to being treated with contempt by family members, especially in her marital home, there is a lot that she has to bear, often without complaining. From humiliation, harassment, loneliness and abandonment, there is nothing that a widow in India does not have to encounter. However when the going gets tough, there are those who rise up to the challenges, whatever the odds.
Savitri's Story
Here is an inspiring story of Mrs Savitri Devi, who did not have the means but still fought against all the absolute traditions that she was expected to follow after the death of her husband.
Savitri is 60 years old. She lost her husband late Mr Ram Kumar in the year 2009. Incidentally Savitri has no savings as she hails from a lower middle income family and was not employed when her husband was around. She currently works as a cook in our Parmawala Jungle Education Centre. She takes out time to specially counselling young girls and their family members to say no to early marriage/child marriage, Savitri basically belongs to Bihar peoples and she was one who faced the consequences of being married in her childhood.
Savitri was once a very different person. She used to have a strong mindset believing in superstitions and casting spells. But after being part of Project Help India and after the education she received from the Women's SHINE Conference, and asking for follow up counselling and guidance she is no longer superstitious. She says that she has a sense of purpose and worth, and she no longer listens to messages that tell her that she is helpless and cannot make decisions about her future.
Savriti says that she now loves and values her daughter in law, whom she once hated. Her family is so much stronger and happier because of this.
Over ten years ago, after seeing her family’s miserable condition ‘Project Help India’ had also offered her son Sanjay a job as a teacher in Kadarganj Jungle Centre. He is now a torch bearer for the whole community of the village.
Savitri says that she loves to attend the Women's SHINE Conference every year and she is one of the most excited ladies of all who attend. She loves to learn new things and she cherishes being a woman. Savriti is now regarded and celebrated as a "superwoman" (this is what many others in her community call her). She manages her family, she has a job making delicious food for our students, and even for guests from different parts of India and from abroad as well. She is determined to change the next generation too.
Savriti is loved by all. From fighting superstitions to helping other women become independent, Savitri represents the true strength of an empowered woman.
