Tribal girl Swapna Maniaka’s journey is not just about personal resilience, it’s a testament to the power of determination in the face of adversity. At just 21 years old, Swapna has emerged as a guiding light for education in her community, overcoming formidable challenges to pave the way for a bright future.

 

Swapna comes from Tandipur village under Dunduli Gram Panchayat, Rayagada district. Tragically, her life was marked by early loss. Orphaned in childhood due to her parents’ untimely demise from illnesses, she was nurtured by her grandmother, who worked as a cook at the local upper primary school. Despite the challenges, Swapna’s spirit remained undeterred.Completing her higher secondary education was an achievement in itself, but financial constraints made it hard to dream of pursuing higher studies. Faced with her tough circumstances, Swapna took on the role of a Pachika (cook), following in her grandmother’s footsteps to sustain herself. Yet, her responsibilities didn’t end there.Swapna’s determination to carve a path for herself led her to embrace multiple roles. Besides working as a Pachika, she started tutoring children in her village, sharing the gift of education. Her entrepreneurial spirit also led her to learn tailoring, expanding her ways to a living.While Swapna’s educational journey faced obstacles, she decided to ignite the same thirst for knowledge in others. Drawing from her own experiences, Swapna became a vocal advocate for education, rallying the children of her village to embrace learning as a means to secure a brighter future.

Recognising the importance of community support, Swapna worked with Anganwadi and Asha workers to amplify her efforts. Through collaborative initiatives and tireless advocacy, she strives to break the cycle of ignorance and poverty that grips many rural areas.In her pursuit to uplift her community, Swapna stands as a testimony to the profound impact one individual can make, inspiring hope and change against all odds.

Ashish Kumar Jalli,CYSD