PORTRAIT 4
Manju Devi
&Taramuni Devi
When reading and writing restore dignity
In Bihar and Jharkhand, the female literacy rate remains below India’s national average of 71.5%. Alongside this low percentage, issues such as school dropout among adolescent girls persist in both states. These figures highlight deep-rooted gender inequalities and underline the need for non-formal education initiatives specifically designed for women.
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Aware of this reality, Karuna-Shechen launched a non-formal education (NFE) program in six villages of Bihar in 2011. Over the years, this initiative has played a deeply transformative role in the lives of many illiterate and semi-literate women in rural areas. Beyond basic reading, writing, and arithmetic, the program aims to create safe spaces for women to build self-confidence, develop critical thinking skills, and collectively shape a path toward greater autonomy.
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Abhishek, Karuna-Shechen’s Education Coordinator in Bihar, spoke with two NFE participants, Manju Devi and Taramuni Devi, both from the village of Usewa. They offered a heartfelt glimpse into how learning has transformed their daily lives.
Namaste! My name is Abhishek. Before we dive into the program, I’d love to know more about you. Could you tell me a bit about yourself and your family?
Manju: My name is Manju Devi, I live in Usewa village. My husband’s name is Bhim Ravi Das. I’m 40 years old and a mother of four. We work hard—balancing household duties and small jobs—to meet the needs of our family, especially to ensure our children receive food and education. My eldest son is currently pursuing a degree, the second is in high school, and the younger two are still in primary school.
Taramuni: I’m Taramuni Devi, 52 years old. My husband’s name is Ramesh Das. There are ten of us in the family—six daughters, two sons, my husband, and myself. We survive on daily wage work.
How far did you go in school? What led you to stop studying at that time?
Taramuni: I was raised by my maternal grandparents who supported my schooling. I studied up to third grade, but after my mother passed away, I no longer had anyone to guide me, and I had to leave school due to lack of support.
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Manju: For me, the nearest primary school was in a neighboring village. My brother used to escort me there, but when he completed fifth grade and I was still in first, I no longer had anyone to accompany me, so I had to stop going.
Before joining the non-formal education (NFE) program by Karuna-Shechen, how did you hear about it? What motivated you to participate?
Taramuni : I attended a community health meeting where I first heard about Karuna-Shechen and its work. That’s where I met Rachna, a teacher, who told us about the adult literacy program and its benefits. When she asked if we wanted to learn, we all said yes.
We understood that education could help us grow and evolve.
Manju : I also heard about it during a community meeting. Rachna explained how the classes would be run and encouraged us to dedicate two hours a day. Many women in the village joined, and we began learning together.
Starting a program like this can be a powerful moment. How did you feel during those first classes? Did your family support you?
Taramuni : It was a beautiful and enriching experience. We were told how the classes worked, why they mattered, and what skills we’d develop. Rachna Didi gave us practical examples—reading signs, handling money, understanding medical instructions. She explained everything with patience. My family supported me, and I managed to finish my chores before class. My husband and children recognized the importance of this opportunity and helped me manage my time. The environment was encouraging, which made learning easier.
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Manju : Same for me. My family encouraged me to grow, to learn, and to become more independent. Their support was crucial. I loved learning in a group. We shared stories, helped each other read and write, and a beautiful solidarity blossomed between us. It made the experience joyful and meaningful.
Learning to read and write takes courage and perseverance. What challenges did you face, and what kept you going?
Taramuni : Learning the English alphabet and multiplication tables was tough. But the environment was nurturing. The teacher gave us individual attention, and my family’s support gave me strength.
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Manju : Balancing housework and classes wasn’t easy, but I kept going. I knew this effort would have a positive impact on my family.
Which value of Karuna-Shechen resonates with you the most, and how has it manifested in your journey?
Taramuni : The dedication and altruism of people like Rachna inspire me. Thanks to this, our community has become stronger, more united, and more resilient. Karuna-Shechen has become a pillar, not only offering us knowledge but also supporting us economically. The bracelet-making training last year was a turning point for many women. We also receive sanitary pads, seeds, and other essential resources.
Manju : Sharing and kindness. Learning together brought us closer, and we now support each other like an extended family. Thanks to Karuna-Shechen, I’ve grown both personally and financially. I already knew how to sew, but with the program’s help, I expressed my need to Rachna, and she helped me get a sewing machine. Today, I earn a living and support my family.
What has changed in your life since attending NFE classes?
Taramuni : I used to sign with a fingerprint to receive rations. I couldn’t read instructions or signs. It made me dependent. Learning to read and write made me more autonomous. I’m proud to be able to read signs, follow medical prescriptions, and manage money on my own. I’m no longer afraid to go out alone.
Manju : I used to struggle with handling money at the market, doing simple bank tasks, or understanding basic information. It made daily life more complicated.
Education gave me strength and confidence. I’m now financially independent and can offer a better future to my children.
Of all the changes you’ve experienced, is there a moment that made you particularly proud to know how to read and write?
Manju: I feel proud every time I handle money, go shopping, or help my children study. My sewing business, made possible through Karuna-Shechen, brings me immense satisfaction.
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Taramuni: Recently, I read aloud the instructions given by a doctor. The women around me praised me. I felt a deep inner joy.
What are your dreams for the future?
Manju: I want my children to go as far as possible in their studies. I now understand the value of education, and I promise to support my eldest son all the way.
What message would you give to a woman in your village who is still hesitant to start learning?
I would tell her that remaining illiterate is denying oneself freedom. Education is a path to dignity, independence, and growth.
Taramuni