Meenaben's story
Many of India's low-caste people are illiterate...they're told they are worthless and it would be a waste of time and money to educate them. But what if someone offered them a chance to read and write? Last week, you read how idol worship has been a spiritual burden on Meenaben and her family. In part 4, we'll see the first seeds of hope being planted in Meenaben's life as she is given the opportunity to become literate.
Part 4 - You want to teach me to read and write?
It all happened so quickly, I can hardly believe it. A few days ago, I was cooking the afternoon meal for my sons when a woman came to our house. I knew I'd seen her before, at our village well or passing by on the road to the market. But I'm shy and never spoke to her before. She said her name was Sangita. She told me about her family and asked me about mine.
Then Sangita asked me if I can read or write. I was so embarrassed. I had to say no, I can’t read. I didn’t know why she wanted to know. Was she going to make fun of me? Or try to trick me somehow?
“Do you want to learn how to read and write?” Sangita asked me. I just stared at her. What did she mean? Me, learn how to read and write! I couldn’t even answer her.
“I’m starting a class at night in my home,” Sangita explained. “I’m going to all the houses to invite all the women to come. Would you like to come?”
I still stared at her. My mind was full of so many new thoughts. I could learn how to read! I could write a letter to my husband, Karsenbai. Or I could...
Wait...why is Sangita doing this? I’m a nobody. Why would she want to help me? What’s in it for her?
Everyone in my village is low-caste. No one ever offers to do something for us. We are expected to do what we’re told and stay silent in front of higher-caste people.
High caste people are more important than us because they are better at pleasing the gods. They tell us that if we would just try harder, maybe the gods would bless us too. But I can see in their eyes they don’t really believe it. The high caste people don't even really see us—and they talk at us, not with us. My caste will never be good enough to please the gods.
Sangita must have sensed my fear. She told me that the literacy class is a gift...and she didn’t want anything in return.
“There’s a meeting in three days," she said. "Just come and see for yourself.”
The class starts in just a few hours. I am so scared and excited, all at the same time! I don’t know what to expect. I don’t want to look stupid in front of my neighbors. I think I’ll just sit in the back and watch. I shouldn’t get my hopes up...but it’s so wonderful to think that I could learn to read!
Enjoy this week's activities. Don't forget to check your email again next week, when you'll read part 5 of Meenaben's story!
Download a PDF of this story to print.
