Condition of a nation is determined by the status of girls, it is aptly said. Education is a great catalyst in improving the condition of girls and women. Girls’ education is a strategic development priority. Better educated girls tend to be healthier, participate more in the employment, earn higher incomes and take their own decisions and have a greater say in decision making. All these factors combined can help lift households, communities, and nations out of poverty. Arti Kushwaha belongs to a small village Kalotara of Talbehat block of Lalitpur district in Uttar Pradesh. This village is like most of the Bundelkhand region villages, characterized by poverty, illiteracy and backwardness. Education of girls is not a priority issue in the village. Their marriage is the only priority for the parents.

Arti, being a bright student wanted to study further but owing to poverty and village customs as well, her parents were not supportive of her higher education.

Parmarth Samaj Sevi Sansthan was working on water and women empowerment issues in that village. Arti’s mother participated in the awareness meetings which were conducted by Parmarth. Her mother narrated her story and told Parmarth team about Arti’s desire of getting educated and family’s problems. Parmarth decided to intervene and responded by paying fees for her education.

Today Arti is studying in BA 2nd year and has high aspirations for her future. Besides she is actively participating in awareness activities in her village and is a confident girl who is taking a lead in championing the cause of water issues in her village. Arti says, “Parmarth has helped me to continue my education and my ambition to do good for the society. I wish many more girls get educated and bring about change in their lives’’