Bhumika Bai: From Survival to Self-Reliance

Bhumika Bai is a resident of Kodamal village, Dadargaon Panchayat, Chhura Block, Gariaband District, Chhattisgarh, India. Her village is surrounded by dense forests, with limited access to basic services and opportunities. Bhumika Bai is the mother of three children. The most difficult period of her life began when her husband passed away while her youngest child was only six months old. Following her husband’s death, Bhumika Bai found herself alone and responsible for raising three children. She had been living separately with her husband, who was the primary source of income for the family. The sudden loss left her facing severe economic hardship and uncertainty about the future. She did not possess a ration card and was therefore unable to access government food support schemes. Despite being eligible as a single woman, she was also not receiving a social security pension. She repeatedly approached the Panchayat for assistance, but no concrete action was taken. Over time, she became increasingly distressed and discouraged. When Lok Aastha Sewa Sansthan (LASS) learned about her situation, the organization reached out to understand her challenges and provide support. As an immediate response, LASS provided clothing and food assistance for her children. The organization also connected her with the Sangwari Mahila Manch (SMM), a women’s collective that promotes leadership, rights awareness, and community participation among Indigenous and marginalized women. Through her involvement in Sangwari Mahila Manch, Bhumika Bai began participating in training programs, workshops, and awareness sessions organized by LASS. Gradually, she gained knowledge about her rights, government welfare schemes, and administrative processes. This increased awareness helped build her confidence and encouraged her to advocate for herself and her family. With support from Sangwari Mahila Manch members and LASS, she applied for a ration card. After nearly two months of continuous follow-up and advocacy, her application was approved. As a result, her family began receiving essential food supplies every month, including rice, sugar, salt, and pulses through the Public Distribution System. Subsequently, she applied for a social security pension and was approved to receive a monthly pension of INR 500. This process was not only about accessing government entitlements; it was also a journey of personal empowerment and leadership development. LASS believes that people affected by an issue should lead the struggle for their own rights and solutions. Following this principle, Bhumika Bai was encouraged to actively participate in pursuing her entitlements rather than depending entirely on external support. This experience strengthened her confidence, awareness, and leadership skills. As her confidence grew, she became more focused on securing a better future for her children. She ensured that her children remained enrolled in school and continued their education. Recognizing her commitment and leadership potential, two of her younger children were linked to a sponsorship program that provides financial support of INR 4,000 per month per child. This support has significantly contributed to their education, nutrition, and overall well-being. Over time, Bhumika Bai also became actively involved in the National Rural Livelihood Mission (NRLM). Through her dedication and community engagement, she was selected as a Cluster Leader, a role through which she receives a monthly honorarium of INR 2,000. This additional income has further strengthened her family's economic stability. Today, Bhumika Bai is recognized as a confident, self-reliant, and empowered woman. She no longer depends on others to speak on her behalf. She actively engages with government officials, Panchayat representatives, and community institutions, while supporting other women in accessing their rights and entitlements. Currently, Bhumika Bai serves as the Head of Sangwari Mahila Manch in her area and has become a source of inspiration for many women.