Kirti : The Girl who built Bricks from Dust
“I am elder to Kirti but it was she who ensured that I complete a certificate course and then graduate in Yoga after I failed to get into the Indian Army,” said Sonu Chaudhary, while fondly talking about his sister being the torchbearer of change in their village.
A resident of Village Khalor in Uttar Pradesh’s Bulandshahr district, 28-year-old Sonu has four younger sisters with Kirti being the eldest among them. He remembers that it was not very long ago when their relatives and neighbours opposed his family’s decision to let Kirti pursue higher studies.
“But for my family gender has never been an issue of consideration. My grandparents treated boys and girls as equals and my father Inderpal Singh followed in their footsteps. It was natural for me as well to support Kirti when people were against her,” he said.
Sonu emphasised that her sister proved that they were right as she grabbed all opportunities she got. “She ensured that the local people now sing a different tune. From everyone criticising our family’s decision to them praising her, it has been an arduous journey. She was the first one in our village to pursue higher studies and her success has inspired so many girls in the village to follow suit.”
He mentioned that Kirti not only ensured that she made the best use of all the opportunities provided by Pardada Pardadi ecosystem, including the school, but that her three younger sisters finish their education too and follow it up with professional courses.
When asked about her perspective, Kirti credits Pardada Pardadi for the transformation her entire family has undergone in the last 10 years.
“It has been a magical journey for me and it wouldn’t have been possible without the holistic education and personality development training at Pardada Pardadi. It started with me but changed the life of my family including all my siblings,” said Kirti while working on her laptop and checking updates on her smartwatch.
Amongst the siblings, Kirti holds a diploma in software engineering and works with CISCO, her younger sister Manchal is an interior designer, Sonia is pursuing a post-graduation degree in biotechnology, and Monika is doing a course in nursing.
“She ensured that no one is left behind. In fact, she has erased whatever gender barriers may have been in anyone’s mind,” said Sonu, who now works as a yoga instructor in New Delhi.
He highlighted that his family has no agricultural land and only had a flour mill which was not doing great. However, Kirti ensured that everyone progressed together. “Kirti put her hard-earned money into building the new section of our house. She raised our family’s profile and now everyone including local legislators and government officials talks highly of her contribution in inspiring others in the village.”
Sonu’s claim that Kirti inspired others in the village is not outlandish. Less than 200 metres away from her house is the residence of Naresh Chand, who runs a local provision store. He has four daughters and a son, who is the youngest of them all. While his eldest daughter Aarti didn’t pursue higher studies after completing her school at Pardada Pardadi in Anupshahr, but other daughters, Bharti, Nishi, and Muskan – are pursuing higher studies.
Bharti finished her higher education and, at present, is working with a private firm in Chennai while the other two are still completing their education.
Naresh Chand, who never finished his schooling, was also discouraged by fellow villagers when he decided that her daughters will pursue education. “My daughters ensured their father is proud of them. All of them speak now very good English and are very good in their studies,” said Naresh while proudly remembering an incident when his daughter won an English debate competition following which the local legislator heaped praises on her.
“My sister broke the gender barriers, changed the mindset of the community about educating girls, and ensured everyone around her grows with her.”