Chameli Devi Das

This is not just a success story but the story of transformation.............

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Every body in Dhanusha district knows Chameli Devi Das. They want to talk to her and require her presence in every program, conference or convention organized in the district, whether they are big or small. Politicians frequently visit her home and Media covers her stories with utmost interest.

She is the same Chameli Devi for whom, from hand to mouth was a big deal, just a couple of years back. Being a landless, the only livelihood option she had was to work as a farm-labor on a daily wage basis. Her husband, Manikant Das too was a labor. Both of them could hardly manage a meal a day for their family. Recalling her past, Chameli Devi says, "I still remember the days when me and my children slept with empty stomach".

Chameli Devi is a resident of Laxmipur Bageba-4 and belongs to Dalit (untouchables under scheduled caste) community. She was prohibited from fetching water from community just because she was a dalit woman. But now things are different. Villagers of every caste and creed and status are eager to drink a cup of tea from her hand.

These changes became possible in her life just because one fine day she chose to join Lok Pathasala (Open Village School), one of the components of JIWAN program of CARE Nepal running successively since 2006 in her village. In the beginning, her husband confronted her from getting involved in Lok Pathasala\'s activities. He said “women are born only to serve their family. It is unacceptable to let women leave their home for social activities.” But Chameli was determined. Despite her husbands resistance she continued to participate in the Lok Pathasala\'s activities. Consequently, her confidence level boosted up and she was empowered enough to voice her interests.
 

Her newly discovered confidence changed her financial situation for the better now. Her life is completely transformed and she is confident enough to undertake any tasks. With the financial support from District Livestock Service Office and Local Development Trust of District Development Committee last year she established a dairy firm in Janakpur. A local NGO helped her receive NPR 100,000 to start her business. She now  earns sufficient money to manage their needs by selling dairy products. Her husband’s perception also changed with time and now supports her to run her business. Infact he takes pride in introducing himself as Chameli’s husband.

Though Chameli Devi is only literate sky is the limit for her dreams. Most of dalit children don’t go to school instead keep themselves engaged all day in helping their parents in their work. But Chameli wants her children to receive good education and become Doctors and Engineers someday. She is very serious about sending her children to school regularly. Therefore, she sends her three sons to school.

With little empowerment, Chameli transformed not only her life, but her whole family. From what she achieved in such a short span of time, she is an inspiration to other dalit women. Chameli proudly says “Success is not where you stand but the direction in which you look." Proud is Lok Pathsala that aims to produce numerous other Chameli’s in Dhanusha very soon.