Parashmani Devi – From a common woman to a community leader

Story By: Alakshendra Pratap

Parashmani Devi is a resident of Lalganj panchayat, ward number-14 of Chhatarpur block of Supaul district. She was living a life of a common woman and had no knowledge of the society and how people work together in society. However, her life took a turn when she participated in a program run by CASA in her village. She started attending village level CBO meetings, took the post of secretary, and began playing a significant role in the community organization. Parashmani ji’s contribution and leadership abilities were recognized, and she was made a member of District Level PO “Lok Vikas Manch” to promote economic development and traditional culture awareness among the village people.
Background:
Parashmani Devi’s family is a joint family consisting of three sons, two daughters-in-law, and one grandson. Her husband, Jagdish Sardar, works as a small grocery shop owner and a grain stockist at the village level, from which the whole family survives. Lalganj is located 5 km north of block headquarters Chhatapur, and there is a paved road to reach the village.
Transformation:
Parashmani Devi’s life changed after participating in the program run by CASA in her village. She started attending village level CBO meetings and took on the post of secretary. She began playing a significant role in the community organization, actively participating in the training given by the community organization to increase her capacity.
As a result, the membership fee of Rs.10 per month was introduced to empower CBOs, and the current CBO has Rs. 5000 and 75 members. Parashmani Devi is giving more time for her own development as well as for the overall development of the community.
Role in Welfare Schemes:
Whether it is a scheme related to agriculture and animal husbandry from the block or other welfare schemes of the government such as Chief Minister Old Age Pension, Public Distribution System, and MGNREGA, Parashmani Devi’s leadership plays a significant role in how the members of the CBO can benefit from it. She is promoting the awareness of traditional culture among the villagers and connecting the vanishing folk songs and folk dances of the society.
Leadership Ability:
The villagers have so much faith in Parashmani Devi’s leadership that district level programs are successfully implemented with the help of temporary resources on a community basis. Considering her contribution and leadership ability, she has been made a member of District Level PO “Lok Vikas Manch” to promote economic development and traditional culture awareness among the village people.
Conclusion:
Parashmani Devi’s transformation from a common woman to a community leader has been an inspiration for many in her village. Her participation in the program run by CASA has brought significant changes in her life, and she has become an influential figure in the village. She is empowering the CBOs and promoting traditional culture awareness among the villagers, making a positive impact on the community’s overall development.