I am Karishma Ahirwar, 18 years old studying in 12th standards. We have two brothers and one sister. My mother and father used to go for labour work from village to city. I did not give importance to studies earlier. I used to think as what to do with study. Consequently I failed in 11th standard. My failure created an excuse for my father to say “failure and success is a part of the struggle” lets seek a groom for her.
As my mom told me about my marriage, I have been upset. I started getting angry on myself. I started thinking that if I had not failed then the question of my marriage would not have come up.
I told my mom to stop the marriage first. She said I failed because I did not focus on studies. Your father is right, we also need to reduce our burden. Now, you will get married and you should get married. I started crying and cried a lot, since I didn’t eat for the few days. At last one day the father’s heart sank and he said,”come on, it’s ok. Now study but you have to pass by handsome marks. Since then I focused on my study and passed 11th standard by good marks. Now I am studying in 12th standard. Garima Kendra taught me to speak up, taught me to stand against the discrimination happening with me and fight for your right, as a result, I have continued my studies.
I believed people should not consider girls as a burden, give them full opportunity to study. Only then girls will be on equal footing. Hope Gramin Swavlamban Samiti should keep on making girls aware in the village to fight against discrimination and injustice.
Karishma
Village: Khargapur (Kila Mohalla)
Block: Baldevgarh
District: Tikamgarh