Nandini Mishra's Triumph: From Child Bride to Educator and Mentor
In India, one often witnesses a common occurrence in impoverished households. The insistence on marrying off the daughter is prevalent, treating the girl as if she is a burden. It's as if they eagerly await her turning 18, considering it a milestone for arranging her marriage. In some cases, the situation is so extreme that the girl is married off even before reaching the age of 18.
This is the story of Janak Nandini Mishra, a young woman who was married off at the tender age of 12, but who has now found a way out of her abusive marriage to become self-reliant.
Nandini’s family was poor, and due to their financial situation, they wished to marry off Nandini to lessen the burden on their family. After marriage, she found herself in an abusive situation.
Nandini's in-laws were harassing her, beating her. But she had decided that she would not tolerate all this any more than she could help. As soon as she could, she went ahead and started looking for her way out. It was difficult but she knew that 'Nothing happens by sitting in fear of difficulties'. Soon, Nandini left her in-laws and went back to her home.
How Nandini Mishra found the way out of a bad situation
Nandini soon got to know about self help groups in India helping women like her to empower and flourish their lives with happiness.
Nandini shares, "I was determined to make a difference. My mother and I joined the Narayan Self Help Group. With an initial loan of 5,000 rupees, we set up a flour mill in the village. The monthly income gradually increased, reaching approximately 1.5 thousand rupees. Officials from the Livelihood Mission provided training in various agricultural activities. Eventually, we purchased 36 decimals of land for 80,000 rupees. I am delighted that I transitioned from labouring in the fields to becoming a landowner."
Nandini shares, "I was determined to make a difference. My mother and I joined the Narayan Self Help Group. With an initial loan of 5,000 rupees, we set up a flour mill in the village. The monthly income gradually increased, reaching approximately 1.5 thousand rupees. Officials from the Livelihood Mission provided training in various agricultural activities. Eventually, we purchased 36 decimals of land for 80,000 rupees. I am delighted that I transitioned from labouring in the fields to becoming a landowner."
Walking 10 kilometers everyday
Nandini's journey to success faced numerous challenges. Living in a village without roads or buses, she had to walk 10 kilometers to reach the bus stop. Despite the lack of transportation, she graduated and pursued a Master's in Social Work (MSW).
Once financial conditions improved, she facilitated her father's eye surgery. Today, she owns a laptop, a scooter, and various other resources.
Nandini Mishra now provides training to others, across 18 districts and 3 states
Nandini has received training in agriculture and livestock-based activities, including organic manure preparation, bio-fertilizers, organic pesticides, and grain storage in homes, under the schemes and initiatives run by the government. Now she goes to different places and villages to share and teach what she learned.
Nandini's success extends beyond Shahdol district; she has made a name for herself as a Master Trainer in the field of agriculture. She does training in agriculture of other women in Self Help Groups across approximately 18 districts in Madhya Pradesh.
Her dedication and achievements have become an example for the entire state. She received training from the National Institute for Rural Development in Hyderabad and has conducted training sessions in many places, including Punjab, Haryana, and Chhattisgarh.
Janak Nandini Mishra's story stands as a testament to the power of determination and self-reliance, showcasing how one woman's resilience can inspire change and uplift communities.
Note: This story is published in collaboration with Ravivar Vichar, our media partner. Manjari has made a commitment to bring forth such stories.
