Sunanda is from Markamdinni village of
Manvi Taluka in Raichur District became a victim of child marriage.
She was from an economically backward family. Sunanda shared the
troubles she underwent by being married at a tender age. Her
family’s economic condition compelled Sunanda to migrate to
neighbouring town to earn a living as a domestic worker, though she
was very much interested to go to school had to discontinue her
primary schooling. She pleaded her parents to allow her to continue
studies but parents didn’t heed to her request. She worked hard to
fulfill the needs of the family. One fine evening her parents
decided to give her in marriage to Santhosh her cousin brother who
was 17 years of age.
Sunanda was just 11 years at that time of marriage where she like
any other girls suppose to enjoy her schooling. But she got married
to Santhosh against her own wish, and was not allowed to continue
her studies. Early marriage, led also to early pregnancy, resulting
in serious health issues. The first child’s delivery had troubled
her greatly. Since she was very weak physically she was not able
breastfeed her little baby initially. At times it was hard to take
care child properly. Very often husband’s family did not attend to
her health.
When she was living in this turmoil situation, she met Fr. Sathish
Fernandes the Director of Vimukti, who visited her village. After
the comforting advice, support was rendered to her to counter the
reality. To support her concretely she was assigned as a para-
teacher in her village. To our surprise she did her job very
charmingly and efficiently. When the child marriage awareness
program was conducted in her village, Sunanda actively involved
herself in the survey practice of the evil of child marriage that
was prevalent in her village. She sensitizes the adolescents as well
as adults of her community about the physical and psychological
problems one faces as a result of child marriage. She substantiates
with her own example and forbids everyone to not encourage child
marriage. Sunanda, today, is considered one of the most resourceful
person in her community to make people aware about child right
issues
