A Life-Changing Experience

Kavita Kumari

I first got an opportunity to be a part of Charkha’s work when a team conducted a Writing Skills Workshop on 22nd Februray 2010 at our collere [MRM College, Darbhanga, Bihar]. At that time, I did not know Charkha or its objectives. I participated in the Workshop out of idle curiosity.

Charkha’s training was for five days. On the fourth day we were taken to Chhaprarghat Math for a field visit. It was an eye-opener. We realized how difficult the life of the villagers really is. We got an opportunity to see first-hand the despairing circumstances in which they live.

I realized that this experience, and my response to it, was truly a response to the inner voice I had not paid any heed to so far. When I would see injustice, especially against women, it would leave me unhappy and agitated, because I sensed their helplessness and inability to fight against the systemic injustice.

After becoming a part of the Charkha initiative, I recognize that a peaceful beginning towards change is also possible; and it can be brought about with the power of the pen.

Over the last two years, I have written articles on the social and economic conditions of the rural people in this area.

We continued writing articles after the completion of training. Our way of looking at life completely changed after Charkha’s training. For the first time we felt confident from within. Earlier I would be hesitant to go anywhere alone. I could not talk to anyone with confidence. I kept to myself and spoke little.  Now I am a different person, and my friends point out this visible change.

I always had a desire to work for people which I now see myself fulfilling. Charkha gave us the tool we always needed but never realized.  We are learning the art of putting our feelings and perspectives into words.

Charkha has given us a new direction, with which we can understand our duties and strive to be good citizens. We cannot make someone’s life heaven but we can at least show the path.

I want to make a commitment to Charkha that I will never in my personal sphere, tolerate injustice or encourage it through my deeds.