In a small tanda located 15 km away from the mandal headquarters of Jarasangam, residents are witness to a first generation of educated members in the community.
A visit to this tanda shows how important it is for them to educate their children, especially for Kantya Naik and Devi Bai’s family. Being farm labourers, they have big dreams but fewer resources to fulfil them. In a situation like this, their children – Sri Ram and Bhumika – getting education is what they consider a privilege besides them being the first generation members to enjoy such an opportunity.
The school that was established recently in the community hall of the tanda has changed the lives of Sri Ram and Bhumika, and many others like them. As many as 31 children study in the primary school.
“We were unable to study as we did not have school in our tanda and also for various other reasons. But we don’t want our children to end up like us. And so we are sending them to school,” said Bhojya Naik, the head of the tanda.
“There is a shared feeling among elders that girls shouldn’t study, but get married once they reach puberty. About seven marriages of minor girls were conducted in the past. But the younger generation is gradually getting exposed to the changing environment and so opposing any move that curbs their freedom,” said Banotu Jyothi, who is pursuing D.Ed. at Zaheerabad. She is the first person in the family to get education.
The villagers are thankful to D. Anjaiah, former MEO, who was instrumental in getting a school sanctioned for the tanda. “Mr. Anjaiah made repeated appeals to the government to build a school here. He also used to bring children working in farms to attend classes,” said Shankar, chairman, School Management Committee.
“These are the first generation children to get educated in the tanda. And teaching them is a great feeling,” said K. Krishna, a teacher.
