Bringing the lost to track

As a child I was obedient and good in studies, however in high school in fell in with the wrong company and lost track. Nevertheless, I was able to come out of the situation and start afresh. I consider this as the turning point in life”. – Bappa Biswas, Sreema Mahila Samity

Pursuing his Masters in History, Bappa an ex-sponsored Dalit youth volunteer hails from the village of Srirampur, Nadia district. Coming from a family of daily workers, he has an ailing father and a mother who is a homemaker. His elder brother works as a carpenter.

“My village is an unknown hamlet along the Indo-Bangladesh border which is infamous for illegal activities like drug peddling and human trafficking,” states the 28-year old youth. “Amidst all these realities, there are the harsher truths of life – our community and its backwardness.”

The house they live in is constructed illegally on leased government land with the uncertainty of its survival. Bapi, as he is fondly called coaches students privately and labours in the field to make ends meet at home.

Surrounded by all these circumstances, Bapi yet found the truth and enlightenment as he says, “It is the guidance of my parents, their determination and the incredible role the sponsorship program of Children International-SAHAY played in my life.”

His leadership qualities have enabled him to rise above the average and his community circumstances. Dalits have traditionally been regarded as a backward class and are generally ostracized and kept away from development.

An instance where he illustrated another aspect of his leadership was early this year when he attempted to prevent a child marriage. Bappa expresses, “However, the family tried to marry the girl against her will. Judging that situation was getting non-negotiable I informed Child Line who then resorted to legal measures and stalled the marriage.”

He attributes these leadership qualities to the programme and its various trainings as he declares, “During my sponsorship years, the trainings which I received and activities I took part in have helped me to understand my social responsibilities better.”

“There are many students who drop out of school in my community,” opines Bappa. “I have been able to council such students and influence them to walk in the right direction,” he adds. “They are now actively involved with various youth activities.”

“I have gained a lot of experience while working as a volunteer. I have learnt to be friends with young children and understand their personal problems”, he appends.

 Since 2007 Bapi has conducted early marriage and substance abuse awareness campaigns in schools; meetings with various women groups on human trafficking, superstitions and myths; discussion with public on sound and environment pollution among other activities.