Healthcare For All

I come from a small village where life is not easy. My father is a farmer, the only one in our family who earns. He works from sunrise to sunset, struggling to provide for us. My mother helps him in the fields and takes care of our home. Even though they work so hard, there are days when we don’t have enough food to eat. When I was little, I often fell sick. My parents used to worry because the nearest hospital was far away, and we had no money for medicines. I remember my mother holding me in her arms, whispering prayers, hoping my fever would go away. My father would sit outside, staring at the sky, helpless. Then Sanvedana NGO came into our lives like a blessing. They made sure I received proper medical care and taught my parents about good health and hygiene. Now, I am stronger, and my parents are less worried. I dream of becoming a doctor one day—not just for myself but for all the children in my village who deserve a chance to live a healthy and happy life.

Having five sisters is challenging, especially when relatives see us as a burden. They believe that a girl’s only purpose in life is marriage, and our worth is measured by it. But I am grateful to my parents, who never let us feel like a burden, no matter how difficult the situation gets. They understand that marriage is just a part of life, not its purpose. They are my true heroes. I have seen them stand up against the stereotypes placed on us, sacrificing their own comfort so that we can have a better future. They have given up their food so we could eat and worked tirelessly in the dark so we could have a brighter tomorrow. At just 5 years old, Kumari is receiving healthcare support from Sanvedana NGO, ensuring that she grows up healthy and strong, ready to create a future beyond the limitations society tries to place on her.

I have never known the warmth of parental love. Growing up without parents feels like walking through life without shelter from its storms. But I am lucky to have my grandmother—she became my protector, my guide, and my biggest support when my parents passed away. She often tells me stories about them—how they were both well-educated and had successful careers. Even though we struggle financially, she always puts my education first, saving whatever little she can to ensure I have a bright future. Despite our age difference, she listens to me, understands my dreams, and encourages me every step of the way. With the support of Sanvedana NGO, I am studying in Class 4 at the age of 9. I dream of completing my education and making my grandmother proud, just like my parents would have wanted.

Some people say I am unlucky. My father left when I was born, and later, my mother passed away in an accident. But I believe I am very lucky because I found a second mother. Just when I felt alone in the world, Maa brought me into her home and into her heart. She is my mother’s cousin sister, and from the moment I arrived, she treated me as her own daughter. I also found a sister in her daughter, Shobha. We have grown up together, go to the same school, and share everything. Shobha lost her father five years ago, and since then, Maa has been working tirelessly in a factory to take care of us. There is never enough food at home, but whatever we have, she always makes sure to divide equally between me and Shobha. I don’t remember much about my mother, but Maa ensures we always take her name in our prayers. Sometimes, I wonder what would have happened to me if I hadn’t met her. Today, thanks to Sanvedana NGO, I am studying in Class 2 at the age of 7, receiving both education and the support I need to build a better future.