Reeta Kaushik of Kushinagar symbolises a revolution in learning.
Born in the Musahar community — the most marginalised and deprived section, Reeta stands out as an educator across many villages of Kushinagar and Gorakhpur. She is credited with educating over 25,000 girls and youths through her organisation.
“I am my own inspiration,” she says, recalling how she fought social norms to bring about a change in not just her own life but also that of many others in her community and outside it. A rickshaw puller’s daughter, Reeta battled casteism, child marriage and illiteracy at each step. “In my family, education was never a priority, least so for girls.”
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