Sarbunisha stood at the edge of her village, her life at a crossroads. She could either return to her reclusive life of safety as a shopkeeper, or she could take a leap and join KATHA.
Jameelabad, a quiet village near Pulicat Lake, is bound by deep-rooted traditions. Women in the community aren’t allowed to leave the village unless it is an absolute emergency. Sarbunisha, having grown up in such a community, used to be frightened of the outside world. A teacher encouraged her to step out and attend an interview with KATHA, but her neighbours warned against it. Doubt and worry churned in her stomach, but she knew she had to try.
Now, she’s greeted by exclamations of “Teacher Amma!” when she enters her classroom.
Sarbunisha was selected in her interview and from there, KATHA and its founder Geeta ji took over, moulding her into the bold, confident woman she is today. She credits her bravery to her role model, Geeta ji. Teaching with KATHA helped her conquer her fears of being in a new place with unfamiliar people.
Her students had their own concerns when they laid eyes on her. She wore a hijab and burqa, which wasn’t what they were used to. She looked different from her colleagues. As she grew familiar to them, they grew close to her.
Now, Sarbunisha is proud to have the opportunity to work with children. When people question her choices, she no longer hesitates. She has gained the confidence to answer those in her village who wanted her to stay indoors.
Sarbunisha’s rise, bright as a flame from the darkness where women are forbidden from interacting with outsiders, is an inspiration to the rest of the women in her village, showing them that a woman can achieve anything if she has the courage to fight for her dreams.