Meet Seema, Jamui’s First Nurse From Musahar Community Who Defied Child Marriage
Seema from Bihar's Musahar community defied child marriage to become a nurse. She now offers free medical services to her village, inspiring many. Her parents are proud
In Bihar’s Jamui district, a young woman from the Musahar community, has achieved a significant milestone by completing her Auxiliary Nurse Midwifery (ANM) studies. Seema, who bravely resisted child marriage to pursue her education, has become a source of inspiration for her community.
Coming from a humble background, with her father employed as a daily wage labourer and her mother as a school cook, Seema’s determination to succeed is remarkable. In a community where educational opportunities are often limited, she stands out as a graduate and a qualified ANM, utilising her knowledge to improve the health and well-being of her village.
related stories
After graduating, Seema completed her ANM studies and became a nurse. Currently working in a private clinic in Jamui, she also provides free medical services to the people of her village.
Seema has reportedly become the first girl from the Musahar community to become an Auxiliary Nurse Midwife (ANM) after pursuing an education. People from the Musahar caste, classified under the Mahadalit category, usually engage in labour work, while girls are often married off in childhood.
Defying expectations, Seema achieved success through her own determination. “I wanted to become a doctor," she shared, “but I want to serve even as a nurse." Her journey was not without obstacles. Leaving home to pursue education brought challenges, but Seema persevered.
“After completing my intermediate, my family wanted to get me married," she explains, “but I insisted that I wanted to study, and they eventually agreed."
In Katka Mahadalit Tola, a community of approximately 700, Seema stands as the only female graduate, a testament to her resilience.
Leaving behind a life of hardship, Seema has become an inspiration. Witnessing their daughter become an Auxiliary Nurse Midwife (ANM) fills her father, Mohan Manjhi, a labourer, and her mother, Kunti Devi, a school cook, with immense pride.
Reflecting on his daughter’s accomplishment, Mohan Manjhi shared that he had declined marriage proposals for Seema’s education. He believes that daughters are often married young due to financial constraints on education. However, he supported Seema’s desire to learn, and today, he rejoices in her qualification as a nurse.
Seema’s mother, Kunti Devi, shared that while her daughter had aspired to become a doctor, she believes it is fortunate that Seema became a nurse. She explained that people in their community are often negligent about their health, and Seema is making a real difference in their lives.
A decade-old survey report by a private organisation revealed a mere 9 percent literacy rate within the Musahar community, with a significant dropout rate after the eighth grade. The situation in Jamui district is particularly concerning, where less than 2 percent of the Musahar community graduates, with women facing even greater challenges.
- Location :
- First Published: