She creates awareness about the Indian Constitution among tribes

Simdega Agustina Soreng of Simdega district in Jharkhand recalls how and why she decided to create awareness about the Indian Constitution among tribes – in her own words.

I was inspired by Malala Yousafzai. It was 2012. I was 21. What touched me the most was that Malala, despite being younger than me, was already doing the right things for girls’ education.

It made me wonder what I could do for my tribal society. 

I decided to join the Indian School of Democracy and dedicate myself to social service.

But social service in my home state poses huge challenges. Both my community and my immediate family had their doubts. 

But facing opposition was a part of my life. I had faced opposition when I fell in love with a member of the zilla parishad. Even a police FIR was filed against us that time. 

But Malala’s story gave me inspiration and courage.

I’d been reading the Constitution of India. I’d also read the biography of Babasaheb Ambedkar. 

The realisation came that this is my life and I should live it on my own terms. That’s why I stood up for my constitutional rights. 

I decided not to get married under social pressure. I continued to live with my partner in a live-in relationship. We have an eight-year-old son.

A lot of people were angry. But I know that our constitution gives me the right to live my life the way I want. It is particularly true for tribal women who are victims of sexual, domestic and social violence.

Also Read | How a tribal women-run magazine changes life for the better

I joined an organisation in 2021 and took up the task of educating everyone around me about our rights.

From November 2022 I started holding sessions on constitutional rights among tribal women in Simdega. The response was very good. 

It encouraged me and I conducted sessions on the Indian Constitution in more than 15 villages and in schools.

At such sessions I gave the participants information about the importance of rights. Along with this I started distributing copies of the Constitution to newly married couples. 

There couldn’t have been a better gift than this. Once couples know about their fundamental rights, their clan would also be better informed.

Also Read | Community college helps tribal women pursue vocational education

For a change, there was appreciation for my work. 

I was also honoured with the Pyara Kerketa Smriti Samman in August 2022. 

Four months later, I also received Dr Ram Dayal Munda Smriti Samman for spreading awareness about the Indian Constitution.

Today the people in my district look at me with great respect. 

I am invited to all government programmes, big or small. 

I want all the people of Jharkhand to read the Constitution and know their rights so that there is a new awakening and no one can exploit tribal women.

Also Read | Tribal women seize opportunities, turn micro entrepreneurs