Empowered Women of Varanasi: The 'Green Army' Fights Against Social Injustices, Grateful for PM Modi's Support
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Varanasi, Dec 31 (NationPress) A formidable group of 20 women, referred to as the 'Green Army', from Deora village in Uttar Pradesh near Varanasi, is dedicated to the mission of eliminating social injustices within their community. They have been spearheading a highly effective campaign against alcohol abuse, child marriage, and demand for dowry, garnering respect for their impactful social initiatives.
The 'Green Army' has recently received an uplifting letter from Prime Minister Narendra Modi, which they claim has invigorated their resolve to continue their important work.
Nirmala Devi, a prominent member of the Green Army, shared her inspiring journey with IANS, stating, "We are a team of 20 women who have been tirelessly working for over a decade to eliminate social issues like drug addiction and any form of dependency in our village. Our commitment is to transform our village into a 'Nasha Mukht' (intoxication-free) zone. Our efforts have led to the incarceration of several wrongdoers, and we take pride in our accomplishments."
Nirmala further emphasized that the mission of the Green Army extends beyond just tackling substance abuse.
"We are also addressing challenges such as child marriage and dowry, deep-rooted problems that have afflicted our society for ages. We are here to instigate change, and the letter from PM Modi has motivated us to sustain our fight."
Prem Kumari, another member of the group, reflected on the transformative impact of their efforts.
"When I initially joined the Green Army, I was not even permitted to leave my home. Now, I feel liberated, empowered, and more determined than ever to advocate for my community. Despite the challenges we face, especially in convincing those resistant to change, we are confident that with the support of the administration and our expanding backing, we will prevail," she expressed.
Manju, another member, reiterated these sentiments: "We have encountered numerous hurdles throughout our journey, but our determination has only intensified. Our struggle against 'Nasha' and child marriage persists, and PM Modi’s backing has been instrumental in uplifting our spirits."
The accomplishments of the Green Army stem not only from their activism but also from their solidarity and empowerment.
Ravi Mishra, President of HOPE Welfare Trust, explained how the Green Army was formed, stating, "We recognized the difficulties faced by women in rural areas and chose to take action. The Green Army was founded to empower women and eradicate social injustices such as superstition and intoxication. These women have undergone two months of training, and their efforts are creating real change."
The journey of the Green Army started with a distinctive initiative: a shoe manufacturing unit in Deora. The initial slippers produced were not sold but dispatched as a testament to their determination to the Prime Minister. In a heartwarming development, the Prime Minister acknowledged their dedication by sending a letter of appreciation.
As Nirmala Devi shared the letter with the media, her joy was unmistakable.
"It felt as though PM Modi was right here with us, standing beside us. We are overwhelmed by his support," she expressed, her eyes shining with pride.
The inspiring story of the Green Army and their extensive social work was also highlighted in a video shared by the Modi Archive.
