Kanyashree awardee faces backlash after eloping as a minor, tarnishing her brave stand against child marriage

Kanyashree awardee faces backlash after eloping as a minor, tarnishing her brave stand against child marriage

Biswabrata Goswami

KRISHNAGAR, 10 DEC: A heartwarming tale of courage has taken a controversial turn as a 17-year-old girl, hailed for her bravery in preventing her own child marriage, has sparked public outrage by reportedly eloping and marrying as a minor herself. The incident has left her school and the local community in a state of shock and disappointment.
A Class 10 student from a financially struggling family in Nadia gained widespread admiration when she stood against societal pressure to marry at just 16 years old. Inspired by lessons at school and supported by her teachers and peers, she informed school authorities about her family’s plans to marry her off, leading to her marriage being halted. The act of defiance earned her the prestigious Ujjal Kanyashree Award from the West Bengal government on Kanyashree Divas, celebrated on 14 August, 2024. The recognition came with a certificate of honour and a cash prize of Rs 5,000, symbolizing her role as a champion against child marriage.
However, the narrative took a dramatic turn when news broke that the girl, the very symbol of resistance against child marriage, had allegedly eloped and married underage. Her decision not only jeopardized her reputation but also brought disrepute to her school and the award that once celebrated her bravery.

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The headmaster of her school, expressed his profound disappointment, saying, “The bravery that earned her the award has now been overshadowed by her actions. This has tarnished the reputation of our school.” A meeting of the school’s managing committee has been convened to address the situation, with the president of the committee, calling for legal action and the return of the award.
The girl’s father, who initially opposed her child marriage, voiced his anguish, stating, “She has blackened my face. This act of hers has brought shame to our family. The government honour she received should be returned, and she must face the consequences of her actions.”

Students and teachers at the school echoed similar sentiments. One of her classmates questioned, “Why did she fight to stop her marriage if she was going to do this? She has insulted the respect she earned for herself and the school.”

Teachers who once rallied behind the girl to prevent her marriage are now grappling with disillusionment. The teacher said, “We believed in her cause, stood by her, and helped her gain recognition. Now, her actions have deeply saddened us.”
While many demand strict action, a section of intellectuals has pointed out the need for systemic accountability. They argue that the government should thoroughly verify the backgrounds and future actions of awardees to prevent such incidents.

The state government, which awarded the girl, is now under pressure to respond decisively. Education Minister Bratya Bose has yet to issue an official statement, though calls for stricter enforcement of child marriage laws have intensified.
A school teacher (who declined to be named) said, “The girl’s story, once a beacon of hope, serves as a reminder of the complex socio-economic realities that influence such decisions. While her initial courage cannot be dismissed, the subsequent developments underscore the need for sustained education and support to combat deeply rooted issues like child marriage.”

Tags: #ChildMarriage #Nadia #SchoolGirl #Kanyashree Award

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