In a family of seven siblings who did not study after Class 10th, Anita’s life would have been like her siblings had it not been for her passion for making her life worthwhile. Not only is she the first member in the family, but also in the entire village to have pursued education beyond school. She is currently pursuing PhD from Dr. H S Gaur Central University, Sagar after having successfully finished B.Com and M.Com from the same university.

Had it not been for higher education, Anita says, “I would have got married like other girls and would have been living my life according to someone else’s wish. But now I am free to make choices and live life on my own terms.”

Anita’s journey hasn’t been an easy one. Her father denied her admission after class 8th but she tried and persuaded her mother to get her admitted to a school in Kesla block of district Hoshangabad. Leaving these challenges behind, Anita happily says, “I feel good to be part of the university because there, I have access to resources like library, internet etc.”

With no teacher to inspire her in school, Anita is her own inspiration. And we wish she becomes an inspiration for many such girls who are still bound by the shackles of the society.

To lend your voice to the collective campaign of #CelebrateGirls, join us on October 8th at 4pm IST and October 15th at 1pm IST on Twitter (@SupportMilaan) and use the hashtag #CelebrateGirls to join the conversation on addressing barriers to education for girls.