She refused to be child bride, gets award
BHILWARA: Sapna, 15, lost her
mother 10 years ago and
her father, a labourer, had
grown determined to marry
her off. But the girl was not
willing to take this lying
down.
With the help of the Bhilwara district administration, she has been able to rescue herself from the clutches of early marriage. Acknowledging her bravery and boldness, the social justice and empowerment department of the Rajasthan government has decided to give her a gallantry award and a local NGO will chip in a cash prize of ` 2,100.
A resident of a village in Bhilwara district, 252 km south-west of Jaipur, Sapna waged her war early this year.
"I wrote to the district collector and requested him that I did not want to be abaalika vadhu (child bride)," said Sapna. In her letter, she mentioned her mother's death and his father, Mahaveer Meena, was forcing her and her younger brother and sisters to get married at a tender age.
Sapna is studying in Class 9 in a local government school and wants to be a teacher.
"My father is angry at what I have done but I am firm with my decision. I want to raise my siblings with respect in society and support them financially and morally," Sapna said.
Bhilwara deputy director KK Chandravanshi said the spirit to fight social customs and her courage and awareness had set an example for all the village girls.
"After her letter, the administration took quick steps to prevent Sapna from getting married. We have recommended her name for a gallantry award," he said.