Rani Sharma – an educator by profession but a devoted social worker at heart. Rani has received national recognition for 20+ years long effort focused on the upliftment of the underprivileged women in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh.
Rani’s story is woven with the enduring bonds of love. Love, that she unwaveringly chooses to give back to the society. The story began when she fell in love with her now husband, Sanjay Sharma. They married in 1996 to create a beautiful life together. Post-marriage, Sanjay encouraged Rani to pursue further studies. Today, Rani has multiple master-level degrees in Education, Arts and Commerce. She deeply regrets discontinuing her doctorate owing to poor health and vows to restart in conducive times.
While she was earning her degrees and working towards becoming a successful lecturer, she established a center to impart education to the illiterate women in need. Rani had a kind spirit since childhood and Sanjay recognized Rani’s passion for serving the underprivileged women. He jumped on the wagon and encouragingly assisted her in realizing her benevolent vision.
Recognizing their tremendous efforts, the Ministry of Human Resources & Development (MHRD) provided funding and established a State Resource Center in partnership with Rani’s educational initiative – “Praudh Education.”
The road less traveled – made all the difference
Rani’s journey wasn’t easy, but her husband’s shoulder was always there to nurture and support. Battling with centuries of embedded primitive beliefs – “women belong in the kitchen”, Rani faced reluctance and opposition from the women and their households. It took years of persistence to encourage women to step out. They visited door to door conveying the vision. Eventually, they approached the village Sarpanch, who after much convincing, endorsed their endeavor.
Years of labor yielded fruit when their center became fully functional. Small beginnings – at first, there was only one woman! Positivity spreads faster than wildfire – soon, the center was inundated. Some of them even brought children along. Rani and Sanjay even began helping children with basic education.They helped prepare women and children to qualify initial educational levels, created a small library to encourage learning,and even conducted street and puppet shows to spread the message. Through their targeted efforts, they were able to help over 300 women to gain rightful employment.
Enlightening the world – one soul at a time
At present, Rani heads the center with the help of her partner, Ankita. They continue to approach more women to inculcate the importance of education. Their methods have evolved to reach and teach the less fortunate.
They encourage personal talent while instilling life skills. Apart from focusing on the importance of education, they now also focus on everyday problems – health awareness, financial independence, banking, fundamental rights, importance of voting, workings of governmental bodies, current affairs, general knowledge, etc. Women are also trained in skills like sewing, embroidery, designing, beautician training, henna designing, etc.
Rani and her team have had their fair share of success in executing important, large-scale events such as Women’s Day, Literacy Day, Teacher’s Day. These events have been graced by coveted guests such as State ministers, Parliament members, and celebrities. Such events involve aforementioned women who take part to rejoice in festivities and aim for the delight of prizes – “Garba” being one of the most popular events.
Contentment and Inspiration
Rani feels she leads a contented life. She fondly remembers the love and appreciation from the women she has helped and strongly believes that social work is rewarding and gives life a meaning. She draws inspiration from Mother Teresa for her kindness and social service has been of great influence on her.
Unparalleled recognition
Rani has received numerous state and national accolades recognizing her laborious contributions. To name a few, she has been awarded and recognized by Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship, Ministry of Human Resources & Development,Jan Shiksha Sansthan, Abhivyakti Jan Shiksha & Sanskriti Samiti Board, State Resource Center Bhopal, Shivakunj Society.
Vision for the future
Rani, being the force of nature that she is, has brainstormed great plans for the future with her partner Ankita Chandravanshi. Together, they plan to establish a factory which would provide a legitimate source of income for the underprivileged women. Thus, creating opportunities for hundreds of women to become self-sufficient and enhance the future of their families and children for a better tomorrow.
