Selu is a small village located in Kalmeshwar taluka, approximately 24 kilometres away from Nagpur district in Maharashtra, India. Here, the Sarodi community, comprising 24 families who once migrated from distant lands, weaves its tale of struggle and resilience.
To the outsider’s eye, the Sarodis may appear as mere rustic dwellers, their existence overshadowed by the harsh realities of rural life. Yet, beneath the veneer of simplicity lies a rich tapestry of tradition and perseverance.
At the heart of Sarodi life is the humble cow, whose milk sustains their livelihood. Each day, the Sarodi men embark on the arduous task of selling the cow’s milk, while the women shoulder the responsibility of managing the household affairs.
Wandering through the Sarodi neighbourhood, one cannot help but notice the ubiquitous presence of filth and decay. Garbage litters the streets, and the stench of neglect hangs heavy in the air. Yet, amidst the chaos, there is an eerie sense of harmony, as if the Sarodis have made peace with their surroundings.
But beneath the surface lies a darker reality. Teenage pregnancies are rampant, and the sight of young girls with swollen bellies is all too common. Education takes a backseat, as girls are forced to abandon school at the onset of mensuration, their dreams stifled by weight of tradition.
Yet, amid adversity, there is hope. Organizations like ours are working tirelessly to empower Sarodi women, providing them with access to education and healthcare. Together, we strive to break the cycle of poverty and ignorance, to ensure that every Sarodi child has the opportunity to dream and thrive.
As the sun sets over Selu village, casting its golden glow upon the Sarodi huts, one cannot help but feel a sense of awe. For in this forgotten corner of the world, amidst the struggles and hardships, lies a community bound by resilience and determination – a community whose story deserves to be heard and remembered.
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