Pramila Majhi, Rayagada, Odisha
My journey from a small village girl to an environmental conservationist and community leader has been possible because of the support of TDH, Living Farms, and my parents’ belief in me. I spent my childhood close to nature. Later, my father enrolled me in a hostel-based school. But whenever I returned home, I noticed that natural resources were being exploited and forests were disappearing. Though it made me uneasy, I didn’t fully understand the impact.
One vacation changed everything. I attended a meeting organised by Living Farms, where discussions on environmental conservation and community development left a deep mark on me. We were encouraged to form a youth group and every month we discussed environmental issues, farming, forests, and social problems. These discussions created a strong urge in me to act.
I started leading village-cleaning drives, protecting forests, planting trees, and discouraging the use of chemical fertilizers. We learned to prepare organic manure and use natural resources responsibly. Our youth group also worked to stop child marriages and reenrolled children who had dropped out from school.
I learned to speak up for our rights. I participated in district, state, and national workshops and represented my village and youth group. Today, as I pursue my +2 studies, my goal is to inspire the next generation to protect nature and support sustainable development. I dream of a community that grows while living in harmony with forests, rivers, and wildlife for future generations.
(TERRE DES HOMMES works to protect the health, hygiene, education, safety, justice, and dignity of children. Through its initiatives, the organisation has improved the lives of many children. As it marks 50 years of supporting children’s rights in India, the above case story reflects the meaningful change its work has created.)
