Nandhini called Collector’s office to escape forced wedding
Last July, N. Nandhini made a call that saved her from becoming a bride at the age of 14. Months after she escaped the ills of child marriage, Nandhini became the epitome of girl empowerment as she received an award from the State government on the occasion of National Girl Child Day on Wednesday.
A resident of Vadakumedu village in Arni of Tiruvannamalai district, Nandhini was forced into a marriage with a 28-year-old man. Her marriage was scheduled to be held on July 19.
Her father had abandoned Nandhini and her sister soon after their mother died when she was in Class VI.
“She was under the care of her maternal aunt who got her elder sister married when she was 16 years old. In July, the family arranged for her marriage. First, she tried to inform district officials through her friend but it failed,” Christina T. Dorothy, district social welfare officer (DSWO), Tiruvannamalai, said.
It was a pamphlet that was given to her by Childline that came to her aid. “She got this pamphlet with the Collector’s contact number when she was in Class VIII. She took a bold step and called the Collector’s office. The personal clerk answered her call and informed us,” she added.
A team comprising the DSWO, Revenue Divisional Officer, police and revenue officials rushed to the village. “She made the call at 6.30 p.m., and we reached the village only to find that her family had taken her to a temple. While none of the villagers were ready to tell us the location, it was an elderly man who told us where the temple was located,” she added.
The team reached the spot, and rescued the girl after much difficulty. The girl was produced before the Child Welfare Committee, and is presently staying in a children’s home and studying in Class X.
Pursuing her dream
“When my aunt forced me into marriage, the biggest worry and fear that I had was that I would not be able to study and get my dream job. I did not like the marriage, and so, informed the Collector’s office,” Nandhini said.
The girl received ₹1 lakh cash prize and a citation from Chief Minister Edappadi K. Palaniswami on Wednesday. “Last year, the Social Welfare Minister had announced that an award will be given for girl child empowerment on the National Girl Child Day,” Ms. Dorothy added.
Happy about receiving the award, Nandhini does not want to stop with her. “My aim is to become a Collector, and take steps to prevent such child marriages. I also want to help children from poor families pursue education,” she said.
Article Source: The Hindu