The Inspiring Story of Sukrita Didi

Reported by: Dipa Kuikel and Sirjana Waiba

Successful people can inspire others by setting a very good example of what is possible. We have been using this method to inspire our bahinis (girls in our program). We often bring guest speakers who come from similar socioeconomic backgrounds and have attained the position to inspire others. Their success is the result of hard work and dedication overcoming any obstacles on their way.

This month we held a Didi program for our 11th and 12th grade students to motivate them to continue their education by dedicating more time in their studies. The guest speaker of the program was Professor Sukrita Rai, Head of Social Work Department at Padma Kanya College (first women’s College in Kathmandu). 

Sharing her story

Sukrita Rai was born in Hetauda, a Southern district from Kathmandu in a middle class family. Her parents encouraged and supporter her education. She was good  in her studies but was very shy and timid in school unlike at home. In school she used to sit in her chair all day without speaking to anyone or even going to the bathroom. As a result  she went through  enduring pain in her body. She knew that she had to overcome her shyness but was not able to do so. She understood the lessons taught in class but could not answer the teachers. She knew she had to overcome her timidity and make friends but she could not. Wanting to overcome her disorder, she asked her parents to admit her to a different school hoping that a new environment may enable to conquer her shyness. She was admitted to another school, but only after completing her elementary school in her village. 

She was good in her studies, especially  mathematics and science. She was determined and trying hard to be like her classmates, but was too afraid to speak with them. She was determined to come out of her shyness in college, but it was not easy. But her inner determination was too strong. She did not let her education be affected with her desire to overcome her shyness. Ultimately, she  was able to overcome her fear and was able to speak with other people in the college.

Unstoppable

After overcoming her shyness, she was unstoppable now. She became a teacher in a school where she met her future husband. He was also a teacher. He was from a different caste. They fell in love, got married and continued teaching in the same school for a while.

She wanted to pursue further education and started a Master’s degree.  She excelled in her class that boosted her confidence so much that she started believing  that she is capable of doing anything she wants. Apart from studies, she started performing dances in college programs, got involved in social work organizing various programs  raising  awareness on  girls issues like menstruation hygiene, girl trafficking and other  programs in different parts of the country. She believes that success comes from hard work and determination. 

She attained her position as Head of Social Work Department at Padma Kanya College in Kathmandu where she enjoys working with young girls leading various activities related women’s empowerment, health and education in underserved areas.  Finally, Sukrita didi addressed the students and advised them to reduce screen time, keep working hard,  be smart in making a choice, do not be afraid to face challenges and remain open to learning beyond the classroom. She emphasized on the importance of social service and raising awareness on important issues even if you choose a different field of study.

Observations

Everyone enjoyed the program. They were paying attention to her story. One student asked about the challenges of being an inter caste daughter in  law.

To this question, didi replied that  the existence of cultural differences between two castes makes acceptance difficult. However, the love, care and respect to the family is reciprocated in return. She believes that if we want to be treated nicely, we have to be nicer to the other party. We receive what we give to others.

Another student shared  that positive attitude, knowledge and skill are essential factors to reach a destination.

Some students  wrote their learnings from the program and posted them on the board.

They are:

• Continue Education
• Work Hard for better days 
• Never give up and do hard work 
• Always stay curious 
• Never stop learning 
• See for opportunities 
• Keep Patience and dedication for your dreams 

After listening to Professor Sukrita Rai’s story, students seemed to feel the importance of education. Success can be achieved from hard work and dedication and being involved in some social work is an important activity.