Rita Kumari, a woman from the most downtrodden and oppressed Musahar community in Bihar, northern India, today works as a Self-Help Group (SHG) leader. She motivates others to pursue education and empowerment with confidence, courage, and conviction.
“Whatever I am today is because of Sister Sudha,” Rita says proudly. “We are grateful to her for making us realize our dignity, capability, and rights.”
Behind Rita’s transformation stands Sister Sudha Varghese, a social activist whose decades-long mission has helped educate and uplift the Musahar people.
A Life of Commitment
Born in Kerala in southern India, Sister Sudha came to Bihar in 1968. While teaching in schools where the affluent benefited from Church-run education, she realized that the poor and marginalized, especially the Musahars, remained excluded. Determined to reach the unreached, she began visiting rural areas and Musahar villages in 1977. Witnessing their harsh living conditions, she resolved to dedicate her life to their education and empowerment.
According to the 2011 Census, the literacy rate among Musahars was only 2 percent for men and less than 1 percent for women, a shocking statistic she sought to change. “Education is the key to empowerment and social upliftment,” she says.
Nari Gunjan: Giving Voice to the Voiceless
In 1987, Sister Sudha founded Nari Gunjan (“Women’s Voice”), a non-governmental organization focused on the education and skill development of girls and women from the Musahar community.
Through Nari Gunjan, she established schools in Musahar villages, launched skill-training programs, and led campaigns affirming the community’s dignity, identity, and right to livelihood. The organization has since become a beacon of hope for hundreds of families once trapped in illiteracy and discrimination.
“The Musahar people have long suffered neglect from both society and the state,” she explains. “They are often denied access to subsidized food, healthcare, and education. Police and officials usually side with the rich. That is why building their confidence and awareness of rights is crucial.”
Recognition and Awards
Over the years, Sister Sudha’s tireless work has earned her numerous honors at both national and state levels.
In 2006, the Government of India conferred on her the Padma Shri, the nation’s fourth-highest civilian award, for outstanding social service.
In 2007, she was named Vanitha Woman of the Year on International Women’s Day.
In 2016, she received the Icon of Bihar Award for her continued efforts to uplift the marginalized.
She has also served on the State Minority Commission and the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights, contributing her insights to broader social policy.
Most recently, on October 6, ITM University in Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh, honored her with the Badshah Khan Memorial Award for her dedication, service, and leadership.
“I am humbled to accept this award and acknowledge the contributions of all those who have supported me,” Sister Sudha said at the award ceremony, which was presided over by Prof. Rajkumar Jain, senior socialist and historian, in the presence of Prof. Yogesh Upadhyay, Vice-Chancellor of ITM University, and Dr. Meenakshi Mazumdar, Director of ITM Gwalior.
No Looking Back
Now 77, Sister Sudha continues her mission among the Musahar community.
Despite numerous challenges, she remains undeterred. “There is no looking back,” she says with conviction. “Whenever difficulties arise, we face them with hope and resilience to help the Musahar community move forward in life.”
She gratefully acknowledges the support of government agencies, private institutions, and Church authorities for sustaining her social work.
