One woman shows the way

Updated on: Thursday, June 16, 2011

At age 64, Tulasi Munda, who has never been to school, has set up 20 in inaccessible hilly areas in Orissa's tribal belt.

Except one, all are primary schools. Some have no sheds and run under trees, some in verandas of village homes. School-hours change as per parents' convenience, since the kids help their parents who work in mines or as labourers at construction sites.

The Padma Shri (2001) never went to school herself. There were none in her village near Keonjhar town. The turning point came when as a teenager she met social worker Malati Choudhury.

"She told us to be self-reliant along Gandhian lines. I thought poverty and ignorance can't be removed unless people are educated."

Her decision not to marry and work to educate children faced opposition from her family. "But I stuck to my ground," says the spunky lady who has toured with Vinoba Bhave. Her first school, considered the model, in Serenda in Keonjhar district, is today a high school with hostel. Tulasi's funds come mostly from individuals. "I plead with individuals to donate, go round villages and seek both money and material. No community service can yield positive result without people's direct involvement."

Tulasi's teachers get small salaries but she says, "Dedication is key". "They need salaries, are responsible for their families. But they're motivated and committed, without which no one can take up such work."

She says she's refused politicians who tried to get her to canvass, has refused a nomination to Rajya Sabha too. "I consider it a small effort. But I'm happy that my schools have saved many poor children from turning beggars."
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Times of India

One woman shows the way

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