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Dalit lady's efforts to educate children- 20-Nov-2008
In general Irulars are nomads. As they are poor laboures, it is strange to see an educated child belonging to this community. The financial conditions of the family also are too rigid to allow a child to pursue education. Hence, many dropouts from the school. Moreover, due to annoying situation nearly 20 families were forced to vacate the place closer to Krishnagiri Dam. Not knowing where to go next for a livelihood they were bewildered. At this critical juncture, Ms.R.Chinnapapa showed a noble gesture by allowing them to stay in their village Pacchikanapalli, in a 'porampokku' land (a waste land). There they have set up their huts and begun to earn their livelihood by doing small jobs in the nearby villages..
Ms.Chinnapapa says: I was unable to study, I have decided to make Irulars children to study; Ive bought them a few necessary clothes and books, and admitted them in the Panchayat Union Primary School at Peyana Palli. Right now they are studying in the school. This is all that I could do for them.
Their abject poverty is revealed in the withered countenance and crushed clothes. But it is sure that this will not prevent them from becoming clever. Some smart Irular children will certainly stand out in their studies.
The huts of the Irular are set on the outer area of the village, where electricity facility has not reached. But a solar energy generated street lamp is provided by the Panchayat Leader to assist the children to study. Hand Pump water facility is also made available to them. Ms Chinnapapas ceaseless efforts to get the consent of the collector to set these people at the same place in permanent shelter under government scheme are also on.
Besides these activities, she has identified 13 drop-out children admitted them again in the school, providing them with uniform, books and footwear. She collects information regarding drop-out children from the monthly village monitoring meeting. She had once bought footwear for them from her own money. She is now resolved to set up a library and a play ground for the higher secondary school in the village and is vigorously moving towards this objective.
Ms.Chinnapapa is the mother of 5 children. Her husband is a building construction supervisor. Though she belongs to a downcast society and has won over the hearts of other caste people because of her selfless service. During the Election campaign, her husband accompanied her. But after assuming office, she sorts out all the problems independently. She does all her civic services without seeking anybodys help, including her husband. It is astonishing to watch this uneducated lady, showing an enormous interest in providing good education to her village children.
