Real Impact

Stories of Change

These are the real-life transformations made possible by BDVS's dedicated efforts.

Manish Kumar
1

Manish Kumar – From Struggle to Self-Reliance

Manish Kumar, the eldest son of Arbind Paswan, hails from Sarvavillage in Barbighablock, Bihar. A member of the Ambedkar Yuva Manch, Manish's story is one of determination and resilience. Growing up in a landless family dependent on his father's daily labor, Manish witnessed firsthand the challenges of poverty. Yet, his circumstances only fuelled his desire to create a better future for himself and his family.

Transformation: From daily wage laborer to self-reliant community leader
Sabitri Devi
2

Sabitri Devi – A Voice for Women

In the small village of Ali Nagar, located in the Barbigha Unit, lives Sabitri Devi, an elderly Dalit widow who has faced a lifetime of challenges. Years ago, her husband passed away, leaving her family in poverty with no resources to fall back on. Despite her hardships, Sabitri Devi worked tirelessly as an agricultural laborer to provide for her family. However, now in her sixties, Sabitri's physical strength has diminished, making it impossible for her to continue field labor. Struggling to survive, she faced severe economic difficulties and a bleak future.

Transformation: From silent sufferer to empowered women's rights advocate
Rashmi Kumari
3

Rashmi Kumari – A Ray of Hope

Rashmi Kumari was born into a humble family in the village of Balwapar, Murgiyachak Panchayat, Nalanda district. She is the eldest among her siblings, with a sister and brothers. Loved dearly by her parents, Rashmi was a lively and playful child. Her mischievous antics often annoyed her friends, but her cheerful nature helped her bond easily with everyone. However, academics were not her strong suit in her early years, as she struggled to focus on her studies. Despite being enrolled in a government school, growing up in a rural area exposed her to the harsh realities of gender discrimination. She witnessed firsthand the unequal opportunities and restrictions faced by girls in her community.

Transformation: From academically struggling student to educated role model
Nevi Devi
4

Nevi Devi – How One Dalit Woman Cultivated Prosperity

In the remote village of Sitapur, located in the Barh Unit of Bihar, Nevi Devi, a Dalit woman, took a bold step toward transforming her economic future through paddy cultivation. With her husband working as a daily labourer and earning not even minimum wages, Nevi faced financial hardship and limited opportunities. Determined to change her family's fate, she saw agriculture as a pathway to uplift her family and break free from the cycle of poverty.

Transformation: From subsistence farming to prosperous agricultural entrepreneur
Suman Devi
5

Suman Devi – Empowering Women Through Stitching

Suman Devi, a 32-year-old resident of Chak Salem Mushari village in Patory, leads a modest life with her husband, Baniyal Paswan, who works as a mason in their village and surrounding areas. Despite limited resources, Suman Devi always aspired to bring positive change to her life and her community.

Transformation: From homemaker to skilled artisan and women's empowerment leader
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