Sujata Behera (17) from Kandhamal district could fight against her early marriage and inspire others in her village. With her leadership qualities, Gurugumia of Koraput district formed a Self Help Group (SHG) and her effort has increased standard of living of the villagers, and reduced migration problems.
Selfless service and inspiration of Prafulla Behera motivated the children and their parents to get education. Every morning, Prafulla visits households where children are irregular in schools and encourages the parents and accompanies the children to the village school.
All these are possible for Oxfam India and its NGO partners. Including these three members, a total of 19 members were felicitated here at Idcol auditorium in the city on February 20. Through their leadership and consistent efforts, these individuals have been able to bring a significant change in their respective communities in different districts. They are now designated as “Agents of Change.”
“I not only wanted to fight against my own early marriage, but also that of other adolescent girls in my community. With the training provided by CYSD, I was empowered to do so successfully,” said Sujata.
In Kandhamal district, it is a normal practice that daughters are married at a very early age. Sujata’s parents also arranged her marriage at the age of 16. Due to Oxfam India partner CYSD’s initiatives against early marriage, Sujata was aware about the adverse consequences of early marriage. She also motivated others. “I had gone to many ladies hostels and other villages to spread this message,” she said.
Regional Manager, Oxfam India, Akshaya Kumar Biswal said volunteers in the grass root level are doing more than Government at the Gram Panchayat level. Volunteers cum community leaders, who are felicitated here, are hard working, and dedicated for a positive change in the society, he added.
Actor Akash Das Nayak, former Minister of Finance Panchanan Kanungo and writer Shakuntala Baliyarsingh were present as the guests on the occasion and felicitated the ‘Agents of Change.’