In a small village in Barmer, Rajasthan, amidst the scorching desert sun, lived Manju. Around thirty years old, she was known in her village for her hard work and cheerful nature. Her mud house, with a small courtyard, was where she spent time with her three children: ten-year-old Pooja, eight-year-old Rahul, and five-year-old Chhoti Rani. Her husband, Gopal, a truck driver, was away for weeks, leaving the household responsibilities on Manju’s shoulders.
Water scarcity was a major issue in Barmer. Villagers had to travel far to fetch water. Every morning, Manju, with her children, carried pots to a well two kilometers away. The task was grueling—walking on hot sand, carrying heavy pots, and caring for her children was a daily challenge. Yet, Manju never complained. She entertained her children with stories on the way, teaching them that hard work could conquer any difficulty.
Another issue in the village was girls’ education. Many families hesitated to send daughters to school, saying, “What’s the point of educating a girl? She’ll get married.” Pooja loved studying, but such remarks hurt Manju. She wanted her daughter to be educated and independent, but school fees and books were a heavy burden.
One day, a non-governmental organization (NGO) team visited the village, led by Shalini, a young social worker. Meeting Manju and seeing her dedication to her children, Shalini was impressed. Manju shared her concerns: “I want Pooja to study, but fetching water and household chores leave no time for school.”
Shalini devised a plan to address the water crisis by building a small reservoir near the village to collect rainwater. This required community cooperation. Manju took a leading role, rallying the village women to contribute labor. The children joined enthusiastically—Rahul and Chhoti Rani helped carry soil, while Pooja sang songs to motivate others.
After months of hard work, the reservoir was complete. Villagers no longer had to travel far for water, giving Manju more time with her children. Shalini also started a small learning center where children could study for free. Manju enrolled Pooja there and began attending evening classes herself, learning to sew. She started stitching sarees and clothes, boosting her income.
Manju’s greatest triumph came when Pooja won first prize in a poetry competition at the learning center. Her poem spoke of water’s importance and her mother’s hard work. As Pooja recited it on stage, Manju’s eyes welled with tears. She realized her small efforts had not only transformed her family’s life but also sparked hope in the village.
The village now values water and girls’ education. Manju became an inspiration for other women, showing that a small spark of hope, nurtured with hard work and unity, could bring significant change.
Moral of the story: This story teaches that courage and collective effort can create change even in tough circumstances. Small steps in the right direction can illuminate society. We must nurture our children’s dreams and face challenges together as a community.